I replaced the valve cover gaskets on my '03 LS about 20K miles ago, It was throwing codes and going into limp mode and after a lot of reseach here, I replaced the leaking valve cover gaskets, all 6 coils and the upper intake gaskets.
Problem is they are leaking again after about 2 years and I am once again going into limp mode. Last time, I used felpro gaskets, put rtv in the corners and front as suggested in the posts here, but both sides appear to be leaking at the rear outside corners. I even went so far as to buy a 1/4" torque wrench to get the cover bolts torqued properly.
I've never had a problem with felpro on any other vehicle, but this time I have ordered a Victor Reinz gasket set to give it a go. It's more expensive, must be better, right?
Will also replace all 6 coils/plugs again as well and the IMT o-rings, as I did not do those last time and I think they are leaking too.
The valve covers seem to be a composite material, could they be warped maybe? Seems like a bit of a stretch, but I certainly don't think they should be leaking again this soon.
I'm thinking I should put sealant all the way around on both sides of the gasket , but I wanted to get some feedback here first.
I don't want to create a worse problem. And while it could be the mechanic in this case, I have been working on my own cars for 35 years, so I do have a little knowledge.
thanks,
edit: I did use cheap harbor freight rtv, I suppose that could be the issue.
Problem is they are leaking again after about 2 years and I am once again going into limp mode. Last time, I used felpro gaskets, put rtv in the corners and front as suggested in the posts here, but both sides appear to be leaking at the rear outside corners. I even went so far as to buy a 1/4" torque wrench to get the cover bolts torqued properly.
I've never had a problem with felpro on any other vehicle, but this time I have ordered a Victor Reinz gasket set to give it a go. It's more expensive, must be better, right?
Will also replace all 6 coils/plugs again as well and the IMT o-rings, as I did not do those last time and I think they are leaking too.
The valve covers seem to be a composite material, could they be warped maybe? Seems like a bit of a stretch, but I certainly don't think they should be leaking again this soon.
I'm thinking I should put sealant all the way around on both sides of the gasket , but I wanted to get some feedback here first.
I don't want to create a worse problem. And while it could be the mechanic in this case, I have been working on my own cars for 35 years, so I do have a little knowledge.
thanks,
edit: I did use cheap harbor freight rtv, I suppose that could be the issue.
