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Valve cover gasket leak after replacing valve cover gasket

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Old 03-20-2013, 07:14 AM
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Default Valve cover gasket leak after replacing valve cover gasket

Hey guys.

I replaced my valve cover gasket about 10k miles ago along with my spark plugs on my M54 engine.

It looks like it's leaking again from a front cam seal and also from around the backside somewhere.

With only installing it about 10k miles ago, is it okay to remove, clean and re-install? (with RTV again) (vs buying a new gasket)

Thanks!
Old 03-20-2013, 08:19 AM
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pcy
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Assuming the leak is really from the valve cover gasket, I wouldn't reuse existing gasket. Given the amount of time and effort needed to replace the gasket, it's not worth reusing the gasket. Did you use a good torque wrench to tighten the valve cover bolts?

Last edited by pcy; 03-20-2013 at 11:25 AM.
Old 03-20-2013, 09:53 AM
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H F
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pcy is right get new gaskets ,,,, and make sure u dont overtighten the bolts...
Old 03-20-2013, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by pcy
Assuming the leak is really from the valve cover gasket, I wouldn't reuse existing gasket. Given the amount of time and effort needed to replace the gasket, it's not worth reusing the gasket. Did you use a good torque wrench to tighten the valve cover bolts?
K, probably the smartest move.

Yeah, I used a torque wrench to torque them to the specs in the Bentley. Maybe I didn't apply enough RTV or cover enough surface area.

Thanks!
Old 03-21-2013, 08:40 AM
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Need to apply good enough RTV if the mating area is not flat ( Ex: 1/2 moon).
Also don't settle w/ regular RTV, so far I use this Toyota FIPG which supposedly gives the best seal out there:
Toyota Seal Packing Fipg | eBay
Old 03-25-2013, 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by H F
pcy is right get new gaskets ,,,, and make sure u dont overtighten the bolts...
Can over tightening cause a leak?... I changed my upper timing case covers now I have a leak I didn't have before I did the job.
Old 03-25-2013, 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Quarta2six
Can over tightening cause a leak?... I changed my upper timing case covers now I have a leak I didn't have before I did the job.
Over-tightening the bolts will result in deforming the gasket. That results in leak.
Old 03-25-2013, 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by pcy
Over-tightening the bolts will result in deforming the gasket. That results in leak.
Understood.... I'm going check everything again. Thanks for the info.
Old 03-25-2013, 08:06 AM
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If I think I've done that is it best to just get another gasket or just check the torque.
Old 03-25-2013, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Quarta2six
Can over tightening cause a leak?... I changed my upper timing case covers now I have a leak I didn't have before I did the job.
Yes,, big time leaks,,, will crush and can actually tear the gasket... make sure u get the correct tork specs and tighten them with the correct bolt pattern


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