re-usable valve cover gaskets - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• re-usable valve cover gaskets by overdrivegear on 28 Jul, 2007 20:11
• I've seen some all rubber replacement valve cover gaskets for sale on eBay.  Have any of y'all used used something like that (or any non-cork gasket)?  Seems like a good idea because to do correct maintenance, you'd be taking the valve cover off frequently to check valve clearances, etc.
• #1 by burn_your_money on 28 Jul, 2007 20:14
• The most common one is the rubber gasket off of a G60. You also need the non shouldered bolts/studs for it.
• #2 by zagarus on 28 Jul, 2007 21:52
• rubber gasket from an ABA works too, i have one on my 1.6, no more cork!  :lol:
• #3 by gilligan5000 on 29 Jul, 2007 07:13
• Best $13 I have spent.  If you feel industrious do the oil pan gasket too!
  
  http://germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/Jetta/Engine/102/1[/url]
• #4 by automator on 31 Jul, 2007 15:22
• It's an instant leak stopper. Plus, there are integrated shoulders in the gasket to help prevent over torquing.
  
  The only hint I have is to place a thin film of oil on the portion of the seal that goes over the cam seal carrier. Then, push it down until it's seated and you'll be on your way to many leak-free drives.
  
  Cheers!
  
  -p
• #5 by RabbitJockey on 31 Jul, 2007 15:46
• i'm pretty sure 1.9's use the same gasket as well, but not tdis
• #6 by Black Smokin' Diesel on 31 Jul, 2007 16:38
• Quote from: "Trev0rbr"

  i'm pretty sure 1.9's use the same gasket as well, but not tdis

  
  
  I don't think so, the 1.9 valve cover bolts to the three studs on the cam brackets, not to the head itself.
  
  I really have no idea why VW did this.
• #7 by burn_your_money on 31 Jul, 2007 16:50
• the 1.9 IDI will not work at all, well I guess you could modify it but it wouldn't be worth it when there is a bolt on option for probably cheaper
• #8 by CoolAirVw on 31 Jul, 2007 17:09
• Do it.  Its nice!  Instead of the studs I used Stainless allen bolts.
  
  
  
  More discussion here-->  http://www.vwdieselparts.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6826&highlight=
  
  Here's a clean installation with SS allen head bolts. NICE!
  
  
• #9 by burn_your_money on 31 Jul, 2007 17:23
• I thought of using bolts but you increase the chance of damaging the threads
• #10 by Black Smokin' Diesel on 31 Jul, 2007 17:28
• Quote from: "burn_your_money"

  I thought of using bolts but you increase the chance of damaging the threads

  
  
  True but if you torque them to the specified value in the bentley it won't be an issue.
• #11 by burn_your_money on 31 Jul, 2007 17:38
• I was thinking more along the lines of installing/removing them countless times, that aluminum is soft
• #12 by Black Smokin' Diesel on 31 Jul, 2007 17:40
• Quote from: "burn_your_money"

  I was thinking more along the lines of installing/removing them countless times, that aluminum is soft

  
  
  I know, steel has a bad habit of eating aluminum :?
• #13 by CoolAirVw on 31 Jul, 2007 19:12
• Quote

  I was thinking more along the lines of installing/removing them countless times, that aluminum is soft

  
  
  What do you just take them in and out for fun?  Or maybe at every oil change?  Using the gasket pictured above you shouldn't really have any leaks and have to pull the valve cover except at 60,000 for timing belt.  
  
  You folks must strip alot of bolts.  If you start them by hand and torque them to specs (or even if your tighten them by feel with a "reasonable" amount) why would you strip them?  
  
  I'm in trans business and all trans pan bolts screw into aluminum case (which we remove at least 5 pans a day).  Occasionally someone will butch one but then we just install a helicoil.  Its just not a problem.