:stupid You defenitelly are on the right track, I bet Ms. DrivinVtec didn't bolt it the right way. :noo
Hey man, some of these guys have the correct idea, you should almost everything they have mentioned.
- Clean the head after removing the valve cover and then check for clearance, if its bent it means you didn't use the Cross pattern of bolting on the valve cover. Another reason this may bend is Overheating of the motor, but you haven't had this. Is simple man... if it doesn't look warped or bent that's great, use the same gasket (if it is brand new like you say... check for condition first of course) and make sure it is clean.
- Use the OEM bolts (check condition of them) and a Torque Wrench at 15 N*m setting, no more than this.
- Once you have the gasket assembled, place it gently on the Head of the Motor, do not squeeze with hands.
- Now gently bolt the OEM nuts by hand without squeezing.
- This is the trick, get a small wrench (the smallest the better, less torque) and what you need to do is to make 1/4 turns to each one until they are all down. Then use this same pattern with the Torque wrench set at 15 N*m.
- The sequence in which they need to be tighten down is middle first, then sides in a Cross pattern.
- Like this: Middle nut half a turn with the wrench, then middle "intake manifold" nut, the lower middle "exhaust" nut. Then choose one side of either upward corner and after that bolt the oposite lower corner of that one you chose. Reapeat all steps until you seem that the nuts are getting harder, then do 1/4 of a turn until you're done.
What this does is that it settles the gasket evenly and not tighten more one side and then the other, since the rubber actually moves from the position is assembled you need to keep it in the right pattern. Also, this prevents the Valve Cover from bending.
You're alright guy, it doesn't matter how much shit you do in your car as long as you do it right.... By the way....... GET A DAMN HELMS AND DON'T BE LAZY TO READ IT!!!! :mad
:giggle :lmao :hug