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On the last two engines we have built, we have had a heck of a time getting the valve cover gaskets to stay put long enough to put the covers on and start the fasteners. The dab of silicone in each corner that the WSM recommends only makes it worse... the silicone is very slippery and the gaskets just shrink back to their smaller size.
These gaskets are supposed to be rectangular, but we noted that the new ones we were getting from Victor-Reinz were now trapezoidal, with the short side on top.
I ordered a new set from each of Victor-Reinz and Goetze - brand new gaskets (in case this was a old-stock kind of problem) and this is what we learned: the Goetze cam cover gaskets fit perfectly, and the Victor-Reinz ones were too small on one side (the top side) again. The test engine ias a 1995 GTS that we are refurbishing for a customer.
I've found there to be large discrepancies between valve covers. The odd cover they simply do not want to stay on. When it comes to those covers you can use a zap strap through the corner bolt holes to hold the gasket in place while you install. Then snip the strap and pull it out.
On the last two engines we have built, ...
These gaskets are supposed to be rectangular, but we noted that the new ones we were getting from Victor-Reinz were now trapezoidal, with the short side on top.
I’m building one soon. I guess I’ll find out. If this is the new normal then there are fewer reasons to buy the V-R kit since the list of parts in it that aren’t useable is getting closer to the point that the kit ‘savings’ aren’t.
Originally Posted by Lizard928
When it comes to those covers you can use a zap strap through the corner bolt holes to hold the gasket in place while you install. Then snip the strap and pull it out.
This —^
I use brass safety wire. Much easier to snip. This is handy if the engine is in the engine bay.
I have a leak in the rear PS lower corner. Used V R gaskets and was assembled on the stand. This is the first time I've ever had to go back in. I typically let the cam covers with the gasket installed sit overnight.
I have used VR kit on my 16v, not impressed, no list of what is what, several deviation from OEM design e.g. oil pump pickup. Won't be buying from VR again when I tackle the GT....
Technically Goetze is the OEM and in theory what you get if you buy Porsche. VR seem to be OK and I just checked stock. I sell them by the score and no feedback to tell me they are bad. However I sell them you fit them so you would know better.
"These gaskets are supposed to be rectangular, but we noted that the new ones we were getting from Victor-Reinz were now trapezoidal, with the short side on top." Do you mean the X section?
I have some good contacts at VR if we can show them what is going on. I agree on the gasket kits - very hit and miss on what is in the packet. I often have to replace parts that are missing. It can be cheaper now to buy the parts individually rather than buy the kit. I always change out the pickup seal when possible.
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Does it have the "Do It Yourself" manual transmission, or the superior "Fully Equipped by Porsche" Automatic Transmission? George Layton March 2014
928 Owners are ".....a secret sect of quietly assured Porsche pragmatists who in near anonymity appreciate the prodigious, easy going prowess of the 928."
Seems like VR's relax an awful lot after you torque them down. If you install them and go back just half an hour later, you'll find all the bolts are under-torqued. Then you have to retorque them several times before you get it compressed enough to hold torque.
"Seems like VR's relax an awful lot after you torque them down. If you install them and go back just half an hour later, you'll find all the bolts are under-torqued. Then you have to retorque them several times before you get it compressed enough to hold torque."
Did you add the additional washers under the head of each bolt as per the Porsche bulletin?
"Seems like VR's relax an awful lot after you torque them down. If you install them and go back just half an hour later, you'll find all the bolts are under-torqued. Then you have to retorque them several times before you get it compressed enough to hold torque."
Did you add the additional washers under the head of each bolt as per the Porsche bulletin?
Was there a bulletin to do that to all 32v? I never had them. Looks like another round of plating for my hardware. Grrrr
"Seems like VR's relax an awful lot after you torque them down. If you install them and go back just half an hour later, you'll find all the bolts are under-torqued. Then you have to retorque them several times before you get it compressed enough to hold torque."
Did you add the additional washers under the head of each bolt as per the Porsche bulletin?
Don't think I have seen that bulletin! Although I did add washers to the ones that were particularly loose, assuming they were bottoming out in the bolt hole.
Interesting new issue....It seems like they never stop.
The only problem I've had is with the spark plug seals on the valve covers being thinner than they were originally....from both suppliers.
That's a new one.
Previously, you reported that the RMS in the kit was a poor piece.
Many of use have known about the poor oil pick-up tube gasket in the kit for a while.
Originally Posted by Snark Shark
Seems like VR's relax an awful lot after you torque them down. If you install them and go back just half an hour later, you'll find all the bolts are under-torqued. Then you have to retorque them several times before you get it compressed enough to hold torque.
I've not run into this. Perhaps, it's because of the way I install the cam covers(*). I install them hand tight and then go to other tasks. I come back the next day and torque them to spec.
(*)Call me a heretic, but I put a very fine bead of Permatex gray on both sides of the CC and plug well gaskets. I then go back with a slim pick and a high-density cotton towel and remove any visible evidence of Permatex.
To date the only time I've ever had a CC (or plug-well) leak was when a corner of the CC gasket slipped during install. That happened once at which point I went to using brass safety wire at each corner to secure the CC gasket. That was about a decade and many CC R&Rs ago.
Those pieces and the $h1+y red waterbridge o-rings are, btw, the only routine use of not-called-for-by-the-factory sealant I do.
Originally Posted by The Forgotten On
Seems like another thing Elring should do back to the original specs like their front and rear main seals, wheel bearing seals....
I have a pile of Elring double-lip seals.
I'm currently looking for a double-lip FMS because the one in the latest kit I got looked different from what I remember. There's not an Elring d-l FMS as far as I can tell.
Originally Posted by ROG100
Did you add the additional washers under the head of each bolt as per the Porsche bulletin?
To date, I have only put washers in place for bolts that had them upon removal. I've found inconsistencies on their use from the factory. Likely my install procedure has 'saved' me from needing any where they were not originally present.
02-15-2019, 01:37 PM
32v Cam Cover Gaskets, problem with Victor-Reinz
George Layton March 2014
