Valve Gasket Replacement Woes

[Prestersean]

So, I decided to do this replacement on my own on our '05 Aveo hatchback. Everything comes apart pretty smoothly- the oil around the spark plus tells me I should have done this awhile ago.

After trying to replace the cover for an hour with the gasket falling out, I went out and bought some RTV. Great! Gasket stays in place!

Snap a bolt using my torque wrench, the last bolt on the cover. ARGH!

Ok, I can handle this.

Take the cover back off, I'm able to remove the broken stud. RTV the heck out of that area, replace valve cover. Tightening bolts... snap the 6th one. Two snapped bolts- I don't think I'll be using my torque wrench anymore.

Autozone does not stock this part.

So, I laugh maniacally, come to the forum and find the part#. Looks like I'll be visiting the dealer's parts dept. tomorrow.

[avguy]

What type of torque wrench are you using? Inch lbs, Ft lbs, click, bearm? What setting did you use?

[Prestersean]

I ended up buying a new torque wrench that spanned inch/lbs. Worked perfectly, replaced the missing two bolts, everything is working great! Car runs good, no oil leaks!

[DRG2003]

I dealt with the valve cover gasket falling out and driving me crazy until I read to use dental floss to tie the gasket to the cover through each bolt hole. Once it's back on the car and in position, just snip the floss and pull it out.

[Prestersean]

Oh, that's a good idea too!

[shad]

How did you get the broken bolt out? I broke off a bolt replacing the gasket on my aveo a few weeks ago..

[Prestersean]

How did you get the broken bolt out? I broke off a bolt replacing the gasket on my aveo a few weeks ago..

I was INCREDIBLY fortunate in that when both bolts broke off, they left a stubs extending up from the block approximately 3/16-1/4"; I was able to grab the stub with a vice grip, and they came our quite easily. I probably could have done with with a pair of pliers. I was prepared to drill and tap, however, and I really wasn't looking forward to it.

[proamateur]

my 05 aveo has a bit of oil in the plug wells, i'm new to car mechanics, what should i do?

[Prestersean]

my 05 aveo has a bit of oil in the plug wells, i'm new to car mechanics, what should i do?

Yup, sounds like a new valve gasket cover is needed. Is there any oil inside the boot or gumming up the plugs?

[proamateur]

not that i can tell, it just looks like someone dripped a bit of oil in the plug wells. i just bot this car about a week ago for a steal and i just now decided to take a look at everything, and saw the oil in there. how hard was it for you to change? do i need a torque wrench?