Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

[my1stturbo]

07 2.0 was at the dealer this past week to get the airbag recall done and they mentioned it could use a new VCG. Install looks simple enough, but was curious if anything else needs to be replaced at the same time? Saw a kit that came with new bolts and a gasket for the PCV which might get but wanted to double check if those were wear items. Also, what involved with changing the chain on the tensioner? I've done the gasket on a 1.8 but not sure how bad it is on a 2.0.

[Theiceman]

The chain and tensioner will be due at anywhere from 150k on or if you hear noise in the timing chain housing. The only challenge is the poly bolt. There are some great threads and videos here on how to do it. Vcg and pcv are easy.


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[dalmation53]

The chain and tensioner will be due at anywhere from 150k on or if you hear noise in the timing chain housing. The only challenge is the poly bolt. There are some great threads and videos here on how to do it. Vcg and pcv are easy.


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170k here no noise on chain.

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[my1stturbo]

Ok great. What about the bolts that secure the VC? No problem if I should chage them, just wanted to check. Car has under 70k on it so I guess there's some time before the tensioner and chain are an issue.

[a4lownslow]

Ok great. What about the bolts that secure the VC? No problem if I should chage them, just wanted to check. Car has under 70k on it so I guess there's some time before the tensioner and chain are an issue.

You should always replace the VC bolts. The rubber grommets deteriorate and will no longer provide the correct clamping force when torqued to spec.


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[Theiceman]

That said though i have 300k km on it with original bolts. I might suggest trying just the gasket first maybe before splurging on the bolts.
I have no idea how much they are.


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[Denio24]

14 of 06B103831J is about $60 shipped from genuineaudiparts. I wish you could get the grommets seperately.

[Ashtonts]

That said though i have 300k km on it with original bolts. I might suggest trying just the gasket first maybe before splurging on the bolts.
I have no idea how much they are.


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They are significantly more expensive than just the gasket. Agreed that you shouldn’t need to replace the bolts unless you can trace them down as an issue or are insanely anal. The gasket alone is ~$20 and if you can turn a wrench, you can replace the gasket.

[Theiceman]

Wow 60 bucks USD for some bolts
Insane but typical


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[Denio24]

Yeah the rubber grommet on the bolt is all that really needs to be replaced. When sourcing OEM parts I am really appalled at some of the prices for simple things.

In my professional opinion, however, you should only really replace the bolt & grommet if it is giving you a clear issue. The rubber has enough thickness to it to still be able to press down on the valve cover even if it still slightly deteriorated. Just be sure to apply the proper torque to the bolts so you have no sealing issues; there is also the proper torque sequence you have to follow.

[Theiceman]

Yeah the rubber grommet on the bolt is all that really needs to be replaced. When sourcing OEM parts I am really appalled at some of the prices for simple things.

Lol i was just looking at a pic. I would be sourcing a grommet or some substitute for sure. They look close to my Porsche injector orings.


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[ahotboy15]

when swapping a turbo would most ppl reuse the hardware? i find it ridicilious new hardware is $100 bucks give or take a few gaskets.

[Denio24]

This is not a turbo hotboy

[Theiceman]

when swapping a turbo would most ppl reuse the hardware? i find it ridicilious new hardware is $100 bucks give or take a few gaskets.

Its perfectly safe to re-use your valve cover bolts in your turbo !!


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[ahotboy15]

im referring to hardware in general

[dalmation53]

Its perfectly safe to re-use your valve cover bolts in your turbo !!


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😂😂😂

[EvolutionArmory]

when swapping a turbo would most ppl reuse the hardware? i find it ridicilious new hardware is $100 bucks give or take a few gaskets.

Replacing the exhaust manifold studs and nuts makes sense on a turbo swap because the studs usually back out with the nut when you try to remove them. Replacing them is just easier. Also, a manifold stud sees intense heat and cooling cycles. A lot more than a valve cover bolt does. 😀

Stop being a cheap bastard and just buy the hardware kit I told you to buy a month ago or stop complaining about it.

[Theiceman]

When i did my engine build on my porsche i replaced all exhaust studs.
Made my exhaust upgrade this week easy. Dont cheap out on exhaust hardware iIMG_6606.JPGIMG_6577.JPG


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[80sGuy]

Replaced my valve cover gasket back in Dec. 25 2016 and reuse all the original bolts and grommets. So far not a leak to this day. I'd say just use the original ones until you notice any oil seeping through which is highly unlikely. You can always replace only the one(s) later if needed.

[my1stturbo]

Didn't mind changing out the bolts, but at $4 a pop wanted to see if it was a normal item to change or it was something that is just suggested. I'll give a go w/ re-using and if any issues I'll swap them out. Thanks.

[ahotboy15]

thank you for the info!

Replacing the exhaust manifold studs and nuts makes sense on a turbo swap because the studs usually back out with the nut when you try to remove them. Replacing them is just easier. Also, a manifold stud sees intense heat and cooling cycles. A lot more than a valve cover bolt does. ��

Stop being a cheap bastard and just buy the hardware kit I told you to buy a month ago or stop complaining about it.

[A4 Quattro Joe]

thank you for the info!

Your lame yo!

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