replacing valve cover gasket: torque???

[miata007]

I got a torque wench and is a large one. I try to set it to the lowest force and still exceeds the fsm recommended spec. Do I need to find a new torque wench or can I just do it without by using the smaller's ratchet tool there is?

On the side, while I was tighten one of the bold on the valve cover to reduce leaking, I ended up rounding one of the bolt. Am I toast? Is the rest of the bolts going to be good enough without one properpy working?

007

[qsiguy]

I suggest a smaller torque wrench. And I'd try to get that bolt out and replace it or you could get warping and possible leaks defeating the purpose of the new gasket.

[elwesso]

dont worry about it, just get your 1/4 in drive socket and tighten them on there snug.. they only need 15lbs max

[miata007]

Status update:I finally decided to work on the valve cover yesterday afternoon. (Half way there). I removed the plastic cover/harness/tubes...atleast disconnect them. While removing the bolts of the valve covers, I was surprise to find out how loose the lower ones are. I put my ratchet + socket to a bolt and turn counter-clockwise. It felt like I didn't not put the socket in right because felt no resistance. Turned out the bolts were so loose that I can remove them with my fingers. The bolts removed on the lower end were wet with engine oil. No wonder my car is leaking badly. I could have just tighten them to see if the leak goes away but since I already bought the gasket and silicon I might as well do it now while it is easier.

At the same time, I am replacing two knock sensors and it's harness (chewed off by mice). I am going to take some pics this week when I get a chance.

To be continue next weekend... (Thanks for all the helps so far!!!)

007

[jfck2000]

I just found out my Q has the same problem - oil leaking from the valve cover. Infiniti wants at the very least $800 to replace valve cover gasket. Mechanic wants at least $500. I can't believe it costs that much to do a valve cover gasket. I have done one before with no problems, but I opened the hood (I just got the Q about a month ago) and immediately closed it. Is this an extremely hard job to do. I am a do it yourselfer and am pretty mechanically inclined. Do you have any suggestions? Could you possibly let me know what would be involved? I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank You.

[elwesso]

Heres the bottom line. If youve done this kind of stuff before its not a big deal... it looks intimidating becaues of all the crap in the way..... Once you remove all that stupid plastic stuff, the intake hose (not the plenum!) and so forth, its not bad at all!

Its a weekend DIY... If you have alteranate transportation, id just space it out over a weekend, and kinda pick at it when you can... I would expect it to take, for a first timer, 10 hours total...

[miata007]

In this particular job, I think the hardest part was to remove all the cables hoses. There are a number of connectors that I had an extremely hard time with. You definately need a help of a friend is also mechanically experienced. I had my brother help me over the weekend.

My car is a 97Q so it's a somewhat different then yours. Besides I am replacing the gasket on one side (passenger- easy side). The gasket is a little harden when compared to a new one but I really think it isn't bad yet and not the main cause of the leak on my car. My main cause was those loose bolts. To save time, I suggest you in trying to tighten them. Be sure to have a small torgue wench (Sears) so you won't damage any threads. There is a proper sequence in tightening them so make sure you have the FSM.

Sorry I haven't posted any pics. Lately my work has been slow so I have been worry financially and looking for work at the same time.

Let me know how things go.

007

[miata007]

By the way, be sure (REALLY SURE) you clean the upper part of the valve cover before it gets removed. I didnt' clean it well enough and end with dirt and sands into the engine. Took me a long time to clean it up most of it. Be sure to use engine cleaner and lots of rags/paper towels to clean it thoroughly. Plus use a shop-vac too.

007

[Jeff Williams]

Very good information. I clean the engine with degreaser and medium pressure hose, then use compressed air to completely dry & blow off depris before I open things up. Another tip is to blow out the plug holes before you remove the spark plugs. I usually loosen the plugs a couple turns then blow out the cavity.