Why not to skimp on gaskets

Crippler · 09-25-2002, 09:34 PM

This summer when I replaced the cam tower gasket I thought I would save some bucks and just buy an aftermarket one. Why not just he same thing only cheaper, right? WRONG!

After about a month of driving it let go and oil ran all over the exhast manifold. So it looks like I have a big mess to clean up and a bunch of time needed to tear it apart again. I will be getting a O.E. gasket from the porsche dealer this time though.

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

You may just find that the gasket the dealer sells is made by the same company as the aftermarket one.

Paying double to triple to a dealer doesn't make it better.

Britwrench · 09-26-2002, 02:52 PM

Agree with Hugh, this sounds more like incorrect assembly than anything else....You did use a torque wrench didn't you?

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

As this is a high oil pressure galley (between the cam housing and head) it's critical to prepare the surfaces and use the proper sealant as well as the correct torquing values and sequence.

I've had similar happen to me and found just the trace of the old gasket were the leak occurred.

If this is just the cover then the same but not as critical considerations are necessary.

Can you be more specific.

Crippler · 09-26-2002, 08:24 PM

I was very particular and followed the instructions exactly. Oh and I did use a torque wrench.

So I don't know what caused it, but the aftermarket gasket would be my first guess. I will be disasembling it in the next week or so and will be able to update you on what I find.

So what is word on gaskets. To use aftermarket or not to use

Crippler · 09-26-2002, 08:28 PM

Also if someone could post a link or list the correct steps for this procedure. I'd just like to compare them to what I have. Just make sure I didn't have poor instructions.

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

Do you recall the brand name of the gasket set you used?

I guess what I was implying on the preparation was that it's easy to overlook something that seems inconsequential but comes back round to bite you.

Crippler · 09-26-2002, 09:16 PM

It took for ever and was hard to get all the little bits of old gasket off. So I'm not saying it's impossible that I over looked something really small, but I don't think I did. I'll take a look at my reciept and see if the brand name is on there.

951carter · 09-27-2002, 12:47 AM

They started making them cheaper here lately =(

The older ones were better

Do not use any sealent, it goes on dry.

Make sure to get off all of the old gasket and clean the mating surfaces with denatured alchohol. Do NOT over torque them. The spec is 13 ft/lbs. I see that your cam cover is powder coated, make sure there are no ridges that can keep it from mating properly.........I would check it with a straight edge.

You are lucky that you didn't end up with an engine fire!!! =0

Crippler · 09-27-2002, 07:18 AM

I thought it was on fire at first, but it wasn't. There sure was a ton of smoke though.

951carter · 09-27-2002, 07:23 AM

I always keep a fire extinguisher in my cars.......just in case!!

I would be real upset with myself if i caused the demise of a P-car.

944S Boyeee · 09-27-2002, 07:33 AM

The only gaskets to use are Victor Reintz (sp?).

You will get these from most places - don't buy from
Porsche.....they sell Victor Reintz stuff, but at a higher price.

944S Boyeee

overkill · 09-27-2002, 08:22 AM

You know what would be sweet an emergency fire extinguisher system under the hood. They make those right? Im sure. One hit of a button and BOOM fires out!

ae1969 · 09-27-2002, 03:51 PM

more than likely it was not torqued properly....

The torque used on the cover is so low.....any debris/oil/crap in the holes definitely affects how good of a seal you obtain....

When I removed mine....I could have turned the bolts of by hand.