changing valve cover gaskets

[chatas17]

Ok... I'm exposing my lack of knowledge on 911's but I gotta start somewhere. Do I have to drain the oil to change the lower gaskets of the valve covers? Do I just drain the engine or the tank as well? Any little tricks you guys do when performing a gasket change? Put them on dry, RTV, etc? Thanks

[Zef]

No drain...dry gaskets...

[livi]

Some members seem to use a procedure where they jack up one side at the time, letting the oil in the engine flow over to the other side. Personally I do these maneuvers while I do an oil change so I can work completely 'dry'.

The actual change of gaskets is straight forward. Just make sure you clean the surface thoroughly from old gasket material.

[emac]

Jim

DO NOT pull the lower valve cover off unless you drain the system, and or jack the car up on one side. If you do you will be swimming in about six qts. of oil. Bet you wonder how I know?

[Mo_Gearhead]

Chatas,

The "search" function on this board is priceless. Do a search on valve covers and read.

You will find that you should: clean the surfaces WELL of old gasket material. Apply new gaskets DRY. Use new Nylock nuts and washers. Check valve covers for flatness. (They become warped by previous owners over-tightening them.) Use LOW torque value when reinstalling. Good luck.

[chatas17]

Thanks to everyone who responded! Mo_Gearhead, you are correct, the search is awesome. I have been reading for the last couple of weeks. Great information! Thanks

[juanbenae]

i have recently been told by a very good source to spray the surface of the head & covers with WD-40 before reinstall. it will keep them from stick during the next removal.

[Por_sha911]

When you are cleaning the old gasket off, be careful not to scratch the cover where it meets the gasket. It could cause leakage issues.