DIY E36 Valve Cover Gasket
- 1). Remove the 12 bolts that secure the valve cover to the engine head using a socket and ratchet. Pull the valve cover off the engine head. You will see four bolts on each side of the valve cover and two bolts on each end of the valve cover.
- 2). Scrape the old gasket material off the mating surfaces of the engine head and the valve cover. Do not get any old gasket material inside the engine head on the E36. Wipe both surfaces clean using shop towels; any oil residue or gasket material left on the valve cover or the E36 engine head will cause the new gasket to leak.
- 3). Place a bead of RTV gasket maker around the mating surface of the valve cover. Wait 20 minutes before proceeding to allow the RTV gasket maker to "skin over," or cure. This stiffer skin makes for a better seal between the valve cover and the engine head.
- 4). Place the valve cover onto the engine head.
- 5). Secure the valve cover to the engine head by threading the 12 bolts into place using your fingers. Insert the bolts in an alternating pattern from left to right as you work your way from the front to back on the valve cover. Tighten the bolts using torque wrench and socket in the same manner. Torque each bolt to 6 ft-lbs. You will notice RTV seeping out of the seams between the engine head and the valve cover; this is normal. Allow the RTV to dry completely. Do not remove it.