Valve Cover Gasket Replacement--Replace the bolts?
05-17-2011, 01:24 AM
#61
Rennlist Member
I also refinished all 38 valve cover bushings using a simple tool that I made...
Before (close-up of one of them)...
After (lower valve cover)...
After (upper valve cover)...
OEM lower valve cover installed with new OEM valve cover bolts...
As for using stainless steel socket head cap screws, their strength isn't the issue at the mere 7 lbf. ft. they are torqued to; I'm more concerned with the issue of using stainless steel in aluminum without using an anti-seize compound on the threads.
As for warped OEM covers, I doubt it. I'd bet those billet aluminum valve covers would leak just as easily if the old hard rubber valve cover seals were re-used. Its the valve cover rubber seals turning hard due to age and heat that causes them to leak.
05-17-2011, 10:26 AM
#63
Race Director
Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but getting ready to do the lower valve cover and gaskets. The car is experiencing more of a leak than weep now. I already have the gaskets, now i'm getting the valve cover and getting new bolts.
I understand there are 38 bolts, correct? Pelican sells them for $1.25/ea...that's $50 for bolts! Is there a better (read: cheaper) place to source them?
Thanks!
I understand there are 38 bolts, correct? Pelican sells them for $1.25/ea...that's $50 for bolts! Is there a better (read: cheaper) place to source them?
Thanks!
If they're seriously leaking it may be due to warped valve covers themselves. After you get them off and cleaned up put them on something flat like a piece of glass to make sure they're not warped. If they are replace them, you don't have to replace them w/ fancy aluminum ones, the stock work fine (but don't look as nice).
05-17-2011, 11:01 AM
#64
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I replaced the bolts on both my top and bottom covers with OEM.
Can you imagine trying to Dremel off some stripped bolt that saved you $.25?
When I bought mine from Sunset back on '07, they cost $.44 a piece.
Damn inflation.
Can you imagine trying to Dremel off some stripped bolt that saved you $.25?
When I bought mine from Sunset back on '07, they cost $.44 a piece.
Damn inflation.
05-17-2011, 07:48 PM
#66
Rennlist Member
Thanks guys. Just ordered the lower valve cover ($90.84), 12 bolts ($.52/ea.), and a couple of other things from Sunset. I gotta say, their prices for original parts are extremely competitive to "OEM" parts.
Unfortunately (and probably fortunately) my Indy will be doing the work. I figured I mind as well replace the cover as well since I don't want to have to do the work again.
It seems only the driver's side is leaking, but should I be doing the other side as well?
Thanks!
Unfortunately (and probably fortunately) my Indy will be doing the work. I figured I mind as well replace the cover as well since I don't want to have to do the work again.
It seems only the driver's side is leaking, but should I be doing the other side as well?
Thanks!
Last edited by Arrwin; 05-17-2011 at 11:36 PM.
05-17-2011, 08:32 PM
#67
Rennlist Member
Thanks guys. Just ordered the lower valve cover gasket ($90.84), 12 bolts ($.52/ea.), and a couple of other things from Sunset. I gotta say, their prices for original parts are extremely competitive to "OEM" parts.
Unfortunately (and probably fortunately) my Indy will be doing the work. I figured I mind as well replace the cover as well since I don't want to have to do the work again.
It seems only the driver's side is leaking, but should I be doing the other side as well?
Thanks!
Unfortunately (and probably fortunately) my Indy will be doing the work. I figured I mind as well replace the cover as well since I don't want to have to do the work again.
It seems only the driver's side is leaking, but should I be doing the other side as well?
Thanks!
For what it's worth, some original parts are available for less than direct from Porsche. Really depends on the specific part.
The original valve cover is a good example. Not a huge difference but a bit less "elsewhere"
05-17-2011, 08:48 PM
#68
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Thanks guys. Just ordered the lower valve cover gasket ($90.84), 12 bolts ($.52/ea.), and a couple of other things from Sunset. I gotta say, their prices for original parts are extremely competitive to "OEM" parts.
Unfortunately (and probably fortunately) my Indy will be doing the work. I figured I mind as well replace the cover as well since I don't want to have to do the work again.
It seems only the driver's side is leaking, but should I be doing the other side as well?
Thanks!
Unfortunately (and probably fortunately) my Indy will be doing the work. I figured I mind as well replace the cover as well since I don't want to have to do the work again.
It seems only the driver's side is leaking, but should I be doing the other side as well?
Thanks!
Aren't they more like $15...? 
05-19-2011, 11:33 AM
#71
Drifting
Since the thread is active again - I just thought I would add that Eagle-Days are cadmium plated/coated(?) with washers. Around $12 a set (11). Not cheap but will look good with the black powder coated covers and my blue plug wires, not that anyone will see them given all the crap blovking the view. No relation with Eagle Day other than a satisfied customer.
