I replaced my valve cover gaskets last weekend and they still leak. Do you guys on here use silicone when you put new gaskets on? I put it in the corners but not all the way around. Thanks ahead of time for your input.

 

You have to make sure the corners are seated. The gaskets seem to be too long but careful placement will ensure they seal. Gotta redo it.

 

Yeah you shouldn't need any silicone or anything for valve cover gaskets. Just make sure they're seated properly. When I did mine, I found you have to be a little careful when putting the covers back on because it's easy to knock the gasket out of place.

 

Being they have only been on for a week, could I get away with reusing the same gaskets?

 

if its a rubber one maybe, wouldnt hurt to try.

 

I would get new a new gasket. It is an easy fix . The biggest thing is the surfaces on the head and the valve cover must be clean. Be very careful when removing the covers they may be stuck and require a little jarring to loosen, but do not bend them. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. make sure all particles of old gasket are out of the head. When replacing the covers I use very little gasket sealer focusing on the corners. I like to tighten the bolts just holding an extention and socket in my fingers. Then alernate top front, bottom back...... but not tight. I hold the rachet head, not the handle in the palm of my hand. You also have to torque them down after snuging them with your rachet. The correct torque settings or so i was told is hand tighten then using a torque wrench torque to 7 1/2 lbs

 

They recommend using some gasket sealer but I have yet to use any and haven't had 1 leak yet and that includes the time where I dont put the valve cover on while reusing the same gasket.

Make sure you tighten the nuts in the correct order, starting from the very center and working your way outward to the corners.

 

Did you replace cam chain tensioner gasket?

http://www.ecwerks.com/audi/a4-s4-rs...asket-set.html