Valve cover gaskets... reusable?

[muskrat]

I was surprised when I pulled the valve cover off my spare KA last night that the valve cover gaskets were rubber! Are they reusable?

When I put it back on, what torque should I put on the bolts?

[uiuc240]

yes, it's reusable. just inspect it for cracks first, wipe it down, and put it back.

bolts are not beefy...torque is like 12-20 ft-lbs or something. IIRC. somebody check the FSM on that. i say just make 'em tight enough. if you tighten them with a 1/4" ratchet, it'll be hard to overtighten them.

Eric

[muskrat]

Originally posted by uiuc240
yes, it's reusable. just inspect it for cracks first, wipe it down, and put it back.

bolts are not beefy...torque is like 12-20 ft-lbs or something. IIRC. somebody check the FSM on that. i say just make 'em tight enough. if you tighten them with a 1/4" ratchet, it'll be hard to overtighten them.


Wow, this is great information. I figured as long as my car is down I would do some other stuff, like take the valve cover of my spare engine and either polish it or paint it, either way I was worried that I would have to buy a new valve cover gasket set to reinstall it... an extra price that would have left the polished or painted valve cover sitting in the shop.

[uiuc240]

Originally posted by muskrat
Wow, this is great information. I figured as long as my car is down I would do some other stuff, like take the valve cover of my spare engine and either polish it or paint it, either way I was worried that I would have to buy a new valve cover gasket set to reinstall it... an extra price that would have left the polished or painted valve cover sitting in the shop.

well, i should note that it would be WISE to get a new gasket, but you don't HAVE to. but just don't come whining to me when you get a slow seep 6 months down the road because there was a small crack that you didn't notice.

but, if it's sealing well now, go for it. i would do the same.

Eric

[muskrat]

Originally posted by uiuc240
but, if it's sealing well now, go for it. i would do the same.


Oh yeah, I know it's always best to replace a gasket, but this is a nice thick rubber gasket and it looked perfect. It came off of my '92 KA with 217K miles, if it looks this good (and was holding) I assume my '91 KA with 80K miles should be even better.

Consequently, how much is a valve cover gasket set from Nissan?

[MorganS13]

and to add.. BE CAREFUL WITH THE BOLTS!! i could only get around 10lbs for my bolts and even then i started to strip 2 of them in the head. i'd say try around 5-7lbs and tighten them later if its leaking. as long as you have even pressure on all of the bolts and a decent gasket you should not have problems

[muskrat]

Originally posted by MorganS13
and to add.. BE CAREFUL WITH THE BOLTS!! i could only get around 10lbs for my bolts and even then i started to strip 2 of them in the head.

Thank you for this information, I will tighten them carefully, I noticed that with a small ratchet they came off awfully easy.

I was debating back and forth about whether to polich or paint the valve cover. Polishing would look cool, but I have already sanded and painted my Injen air intake a gloss grey, so I think just to keep the colors matching I will paint the valve cover the same. Plus, saves a lot of work. Maybe when I swap on this painted cover I will play around with polishing the other cover in my spare time.

[Got Sileighty?]

never ever assume muskrat. u know why right? cuz it makes an ass out of.....u know the rest. anyway, dont assume that your 91 KA with 80k miles is fine. cuz my car almost has the exact same mileage (it actually hit 80,000 last wednesday :D ) and i had to replace it a couple months ago cuz of a leak.

i hope i didnt overtighten though. i dont have a torque wrench.:(

[muskrat]

Originally posted by Got Sileighty?
i hope i didnt overtighten though. i dont have a torque wrench.:(

Working without a torque wrench... seems like you are the one who is assuming. :D

[Dousan_PG]

Originally posted by Got Sileighty?

i hope i didnt overtighten though. i dont have a torque wrench.:(

go to a Harbor Frieght

cheap torque wrenches if you are on a serious budget. i got one for 20 bucks (torques up to 100 some ft-lbs)
i use it for the wheels only though, something that if it gets stolen or lost i wont crya bout it.
for engine stuff use my friend's fancy dancy 100 buck torque wrenches (2 of them one for low spec torque, one for high)