M45 VALVE COVER GASKET

[TOASTERGOD]

Has any one changed the passenger side valve cover gasket. if so how tough was it to do and what problems could i expect.

[BlackCat81]

The passenger side in my opinion is the hardest side. There's a harness in the rear corner there that makes getting the rear bolts out and back in torqued to spec difficult. Be aware that if the gasket is leaking, the spark plug tube grommets may also be leaking. If you pull the valve cover off and have spark plug tubes full of oil, it'll need the actual valve cover replaced since it's not available separately. I've seen a lot on Amazon that sells the spark plug tube grommets but I don't have any experience with them or if they even work. I was thinking of ordering them since I have to do both my VC gaskets and I'm almost positive my grommets are leaking after 208k. It'd also be an easier time doing the spark plugs while you're there since you'll have much better access.

[TOASTERGOD]

Thanks, i hope its just the gasket. I replaced the plugs about 30k miles ago, so they should be fine. Do you knowwhere i might find valve cover torque specs?

[BlackCat81]

I can check for you on Tuesday when I'm back at work, but if I remember right the first pass is like 64inlbs and the second and final pass is 84inlbs.

[cruzad3r]

blackcat - do you have the updated valve cover part number for the 06 m35x?

[BlackCat81]

No I'm not at work. I'll need your vin number as well.