Originally Posted by CLS70

I replaced the valve cover two years ago --and so far so good (knock on wood)--

I followed two of the links you already have there; the first one (full post) was quite helpful and had several tricks / recommendations already; from what I can recall:

1. take time to make as much space as possible in the back of the engine, I pulled up the cables with a bungee cord to keep them out the way when removing/installing cover; the bolts are the back are very hard to reach and limited visibility so the added space was key. There is a bracket that gets in the way, I read it in the first post I was using as reference but did not realize it importance until encounter the same issue.

2. I vacuumed the engine thoroughly before removing the cover; tried to remove any dust/dirt that could then drop inside the engine

3. I used ziplock bags to store the high-pressure fuel rails and marked them individually

4. the party ballon trick is good but they tend to fell so I used electric caps to keep then tight (will try to post pictures later)

5. When I did the valve cover, took the time to change the Oil Cooler Gasket as well. It was completely flat.

6. Clean the surface throrughly before putting the new one.

7. I see you plan to buy the torque wrench; I did buy as well as read everywhere that properly torquing the valve cover is key, I printed the sequence for reference as it is complex. Also bought the crow feet.

Good Luck !