99 LC Valve Cover Gaskets

[rompin2001]

I'm in the middle of replacing my valve cover gaskets. Do I need to put any FIPG on these? I saw a little bit in the corners of the valve cover when I took it off. On other vehicles, I've just cleaned everything real good, put a little oil on the gasket and properly torqued it down. Wondering if anybody had some input.

 

[rompin2001]

Excuse my laziness, I found it after searching a little harder. I also have an FSM, that I finally got to put to use

 

[kevin2i]

Excuse my laziness, I found it after searching a little harder. I also have an FSM, that I finally got to put to use

So was that 'yes' or 'no'?

Mine are seeping a little, but the bolts were barely finger tight. Hopefully all they need is a tightening.

 

[rompin2001]

So was that 'yes' or 'no'? Mine are seeping a little, but the bolts were barely finger tight. Hopefully all they need is a tightening.

No, the FIPG is only used on the semi-circle plug seals on the rear of the head. Torque to 53 in/lb. Mine were finger tight as well, probably could have gotten away with just tightening them... The factory gasket was pretty brittle, so I'm glad I changed it.

 

[kevin2i]

Hopefully tightening will take care of it until the next time I change my plugs. Might be awhile, 180k miles on original set.

No, the FIPG is only used on the semi-circle plug seals on the rear of the head. Torque to 53 in/lb. Mine were finger tight as well, probably could have gotten away with just tightening them... The factory gasket was pretty brittle, so I'm glad I changed it.

 

[okryan]

I did mine a few months ago. They aren't torqued very tight at all. Be careful with tightening them that you don't strip something. I put new gaskets on and no leak or burnt oil smell. Worked perfect. Be careful slipping the new gasket and cover over the cam bolts, I cut a gasket on a sharp bolt head and had to re do it.

 

[sonofshin]

I did mine a few months ago. They aren't torqued very tight at all. Be careful with tightening them that you don't strip something. I put new gaskets on and no leak or burnt oil smell. Worked perfect. Be careful slipping the new gasket and cover over the cam bolts, I cut a gasket on a sharp bolt head and had to re do it.

Its funny you say that about the burnt oil smell. I have been noticing a faint oil smell in the garage lately after getting home. Its never low on oil and doesnt leave any drops on the ground so I think I will have a look at the gaskets. Thanks!

 

[rustydrummer]

Its funny you say that about the burnt oil smell. I have been noticing a faint oil smell in the garage lately after getting home. Its never low on oil and doesnt leave any drops on the ground so I think I will have a look at the gaskets. Thanks!

I had that same smell after parking on my 2000. Oil level was always good and no drops underneath, but after I pulled the top engine cover, I could see oil coming from around the valve covers, Just enough to drip down on the headers and make the engine compartment smell of burnt oil. Changed the VCG's and so far, so good.

 

[Barlow David]

Just a tip, tighten the bolts snug in sequence then go back around after a few minutes ant tighten them completely. My buddy was changing his an tightened them down too fas and the valve cover cracked.
CAR OBD2 SHOP

 

[okryan]

Its funny you say that about the burnt oil smell. I have been noticing a faint oil smell in the garage lately after getting home. Its never low on oil and doesnt leave any drops on the ground so I think I will have a look at the gaskets. Thanks!

That's it exactly. Except mine wasn't faint. Dripping on the headers. No drips on the driveway and not enough to look low on the dipstick. Valve cover gaskets.