N62 Tune up - Tips, Tricks, and Info - Page 2

SeanC · #11 02-13-2017, 04:15 PM

OP, did your covers looked like they are not 100% flush with the head when the new gaskets are installed? My covers are flaring up towards the back of the block, but the gaskets themselves seem flush. Maybe my valve covers are a bit warped?

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BustedKnuckles · #12 02-13-2017, 04:52 PM

The valve covers should sit flush all the way around. Them being warped is unlikely. Something is likely catching or not installed right. run your finger around the gasket mating surface and make sure the gasket is seated all the way around. Did you remove the guide tabs? my first thought (if you didn't) is that the rear tab is catching and not allowing the VC to fall into place all the way. If you removed all the tabs I would take a look at the VC from as many different angles as possible to figure out where it is catching. take it back off if you have to and look at everything. Take your time. You don't want to break anything costly, or even cheap for that matter.

SeanC · #13 02-13-2017, 09:00 PM

Here's some pictures. I think it's warped a little bit. I sat it on granite kitchen top (when wife wasn't around of course), and there seems to be a 1-2mm gap at the back of the cover when I press down on the other side. What do you think?

SeanC · #14 02-14-2017, 12:03 PM

Also, forgot to mention, the tabs were already removed before attempting to install the cover.

BustedKnuckles · #15 02-14-2017, 12:52 PM

From the images and your description, my 2 cents is you will be fine to install the valve cover. If yours IS warped, it is minimal, and tightening down the bolts will even everything out and create a good seal.

If you had a big gap I would be worried but seeing the images, it looks to be making contact to the cylinder head all the way around. Tighten the bolts down properly and do a final check to make sure there are no gaps, but again, I think you'll be fine.

SeanC · #16 02-14-2017, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BustedKnuckles

From the images and your description, I believe you will be totally fine to install the valve cover. If yours IS warped, it is very minimal, and tightening down the bolts will even everything out and create a good seal. The new valve cover gasket is a little fatter than the original removed because the original has been compression-set and shrinked a bit due to heat and age. Once you tighten down the bolts the gasket will squish in the VC a bit more and create a good seal.

If you had a big gap I would be worried but seeing the images, it looks to be making contact to the cylinder head all the way around. Tighten the bolts down properly and do a final check to make sure there are no gaps, but again, I believe you will be completely fine.

BustedKnuckles, I now know where your nickname comes from lol..

Thanks for the response. I also forgot to mention that the first and the last pictures are after the bolts are torqued down to the specified 10 Nm. It is as far down as it will go. Maybe it will settle a little more over time, but I wonder if its better not to take the risk and spend $400 now on a new cover. Not really want to, but...

SeanC · #17 02-14-2017, 01:03 PM

Also, do you know what this snorkel looking thing is? It looks like a vacuum hose that comes from under the engine and ends up nowhere. It got under the valve cover during my first install and I had to take everything apart to get it out of there.

BustedKnuckles · #18 02-14-2017, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanC

BustedKnuckles, I now know where your nickname comes from lol..

Thanks for the response. I also forgot to mention that the first and the last pictures are after the bolts are torqued down to the specified 10 Nm. It is as far down as it will go. Maybe it will settle a little more over time, but I wonder if its better not to take the risk and spend $400 now on a new cover. Not really want to, but...

Hah! I have a tendency to beat my hands up while I'm working on things. The user name seemed fitting...

Did the VC bolts bottom out onto the studs when tightening? I'm also not sure what that "snorkel" is. It's a vent hose of some sort. Not crankcase. Maybe transmission? It's supposed to be open and lead to nowhere like that though.

BustedKnuckles · #19 02-14-2017, 02:02 PM

Also, if you can get a helper and have them press down on the VC in the rear as much as possible and see if you can tighten the bolts down a little more.

SeanC · #20 02-14-2017, 04:06 PM

The bolts did not bottom out, however they were torqued down to spec. I think that, along with the correct tightening sequence, are important for a proper fitment. Anyways, I decided not to take any chances and ordered the part today.

I am planning on keeping this car for a long time. I also replaced my thermostat with a lower degree one (90-93 C), so my engine will never see temperatures north of 100C. Hopefully that will prevent further issues with the gaskets in the future.

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