upgrading valve cover

[bcredliner]

If you are going to sell it, I would not try other routes. I would stick with the stock part. The original part with OEM gasket, with some sealant in the proper places and properly torqued should seal. Do you know why it keeps leaking?

[nebilex]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

If you are going to sell it, I would not try other routes. I would stick with the stock part. The original part with OEM gasket, with some sealant in the proper places and properly torqued should seal. Do you know why it keeps leaking?

the last time i had the valve cover gasket changed, the indy (he specialized in bmw, vw, audi) told me that the valve cover is warped... he said he put gasket sealant to help but will need to get a new cover at some point. And his fix worked for about 20k miles but it eventually started leaking again. But since i have another car now, this is just sitting in the garage now and am just waiting for the right part to fix the leak and sell it.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by nebilex

the last time i had the valve cover gasket changed, the indy (he specialized in bmw, vw, audi) told me that the valve cover is warped... he said he put gasket sealant to help but will need to get a new cover at some point. And his fix worked for about 20k miles but it eventually started leaking again. But since i have another car now, this is just sitting in the garage now and am just waiting for the right part to fix the leak and sell it.

I see, torque specs are such that it is hard to seal a warped cover. Since it won't seal as it is I would set it on a flat surface and see how bad it is then see if I could heat it enough to correct it. Have no idea if it would work but I would try it. Other than that I would keep looking for a stock used cover.

[StephenVA]

As always

[nebilex]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I see, torque specs are such that it is hard to seal a warped cover. Since it won't seal as it is I would set it on a flat surface and see how bad it is then see if I could heat it enough to correct it. Have no idea if it would work but I would try it. Other than that I would keep looking for a stock used cover.

Thanks for the input, i'll give the heat it to correct a try once i find a replacement. it'll be more of an experiment rather than to put it back on the engine.

[Zulu95]

"Understood - as I always say though do it right or do it twice, or more than twice in your case "

I have a good friend who has a variation on this: "There is ALWAYS enough money to do it right the second time."
I try and do it right the first time and save what it would cost to do it the "cheaper" way.

[nebilex]

Originally Posted by Zulu95

"Understood - as I always say though do it right or do it twice, or more than twice in your case "

Well that's not quiet true... the first 2 times that it was done, the shop thought it was the gasket. I only paid for the first time since they honored the work they did and i only had to get a gasket the second time. But it's ok if you assumed, you didn't have the full story.

Now if you are telling me that the first time you have a leak that you will change the gasket and valve cover at the same time, more power to you and your money saving strategy. I personally would rather spend $80 twice than spend $600 once, at least the math makes more sense my way.
Anyways thanks for the input.

[Zulu95]

No, I am saying I seldom jump on the cheapest solution just because it is the cheapest with no guarantee that it will fix the problem. I always seemed to end up with the expensive fix after the cheap fix failed. So now I would rather fix it once and save myself the expense and headaches of doing it twice.
How you want to proceed or how you have proceeded is entirely up to you. You do not have to justify it to anyone but yourself. If it works for you in your case that also fine.
I judge none but myself as I am privy to all factors in only that case.
I sincerely hope whatever means or solution you decide on works for you and you can move on with the sale.