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Replacing valve cover gasket

Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SAAB 9-3
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
I am removing all the screws. Nuts bolts, etc. Including the airbox, MAS, throttle body. If I need to continue at another day or week, can I leave it as is with no problem? When opening the hood, I did find a squirrel the scurried away inside the engine bay.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 8:24 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
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Hello,

I guess squirrel wanted to be warm :)

Hope it did not do any damage. They have a tendency to damage wires.

I have attached the valve cover gasket replacement procedure below. It has the torque specifications as well.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-valve-cover-gasket
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
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Now, can I start one day and finish it on another day or week if that may. Am asking only because everything will be exposed and open like the throttle body, MAS, spark plugs and coils.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
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Got it.
Let me know how it turns out or if you have any questions.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
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You are not answering my questions, I'm asking if I can leave the car all open and unassembled with everything exposed for a day or two or a week or month if that may be. That's the question I'm asking but you are not answering it.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
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As long you don't get dirt of debris inside the open cover, it will be fine. You might want to put a trash bag or a cover over after removal of the components. Also, might want to keep the sensors (like the mass airflow sensor) in a bag so they don't get dirt inside.
If they stay clean, there should not be any problem installing when you are ready.
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Thursday, January 13th, 2022 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
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How do I clean the valve cover from the inside after removing the gaskets? Can I use brake cleaner? And how the rest of the block on the vehicle, just spray and wipe brake cleaner?
Now, when attaching the gaskets, how do I know if they are not going to slip out once I turn the cover upside down to install it.
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Friday, January 14th, 2022 AT 2:50 AM
Tiny
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To clean the components, you want to use any type of parts cleaner or brake cleaner. If you do use a brake cleaner be sure to use only on metal surfaces.
This can be used for block as well.
If you have old gasket residue on the engine or the cover, you can use a plastic scraper to remove that.

When attaching the gasket, you can use some RTV sealant/gasket maker on a few spots on the cover to keep the gasket in place. Just use enough so the gasket does not move as you lower the cover on the engine.
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Friday, January 14th, 2022 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
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Can I spray brake cleaner inside the valve cover and also directly on the camshaft engine parts, spark plug compartments, etc?
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
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Yes, just be careful not to get it on any gaskets or rubber components. As brake cleaner tends to wear out those parts.
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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
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Do you think there's sludge and how should I clean it it, just with paper towels or microfiber towels?
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 7:11 AM
Tiny
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It does not look slugged up.
Just first clean with a microfiber towel. You don't want to use a paper towel as it can leave residue.
You can also spray the cleaner on the towel and clean the spark plug holes. Careful not to get any debris inside the holes.
Also be sure to give it enough time to dray from any cleaner or solvent, before putting it back together.
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 7:42 AM
Tiny
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How about the torque settings for the spark plugs and the 12 bolts that hold the valve cover down.
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
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The valve cover torque : 8 ft. Lbs.
Spark plugs : 21 ft. Lbs.
Ignition Coil bolt : 15 ft. Lbs.
Ignition coil cover: 6 ft. Lbs.

Let me know if you need any other info.
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 AT 12:06 PM

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