1994 Q45 Valve Cover leaking..... Help!!!

[blacklist74]

My valve covers were leaking, so I changed the gaskets. Well only changed the driver's side... The problem is, it's worst now. I put it on dry... Do I have to smear the gasket with RTV? I'm going to have to do it again.. Any input fella's........ Back acking job.........

[redmanfx]

I'd say that bites! Yeah, I would always use the RTV with the gaskets. Call Joe and get some mailed to you and ask him if you need the new gaskets now as well. I know bending over doing the valve gaskets will put a crimp in your back for a while, heck, changing the spark plugs hurts me!!

[Jeff Williams]

Silicone is required around the half-moons. I put very little on mine, just enough to hold the gasket to the valve cover on installation.

I bet you had your gasket move while installing it.

You also have to tighten it in a specific pattern and torque setting.

[breaksr]

Go to the autoparts store and spend $5 to get some Grey Import gasket maker. Take the valve cover off the head. I know the drivers side is a major pain. Takes me about 4-6 hours to do that side. Get a new gasket (from Infiniti), clean the groove on the valve cover as best as you can, clean the head, notice the back part of the head has two half moon notches they come with RTV applied at the factory so remove the old sealent. Now put the gasket sealer on the top part of the of the gasket, the part that you will put into the slot on the valve cover, put it on thin just on the upper portion, put the gasket into the valve cover. Put gasket sealer on the cylinder head now and make sure you get into those half moon slots at the back of the motor. Let it set for about a minute, so it's tacky, put the valve cover back on the car. Make sure you don't pull the gasket off the valve cover while you drag it under that vent pipe and other things that block that area. Put the cover on and start screwing in the bolts. Don't tighten them all the way at once you have to do a little at a time. It's always best to tighten the middle ones first and then work your way out but try to tighten them evenly first. Once their tight don't start the car until they have dried for 24 hours. It works best if you let it sit. Now that cover should stay free from any leaks for as long as you own the car. I hope.

[blacklist74]

I didn't put any silicone or RTV around the half-moons. That's where it's leaking at. Thanks for the advice guys.. Thank goodness I have (2) Q45's....(1994 red on black & 1996 White on tan). I'll tackle that gasket again on friday. Hopefully I could start it up on saturday.... I love this site.!!

[goody90q45]

Curious to see how long it takes you to change the gasket the second time around. Let us know.

The FSM has details on the correct tightening pattern and torque in the engine section. If you haven't got a copy you can download it at phatG20.net.