1996 Saturn SL2 valve cover gasket

1996 SATURN SL2
70,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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BSWAFF12
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i have changed my gasket 2 times in the past 4 months and it persists to leak, i have tightened the bolts in the sequence that is given and to the correct torque. this second time i put a nice bead of rtv around the whole cover and replaced the cover and let cure for the recomended 24 hours. and it still persissts to leak, close to 2 quarts every 700 miles i would say. any ideas on a fix?
Aug 22, 2010 at 11:18 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Where exactly is it leaking?You should only have to put a bead of silicone in two places where the front cover meet's the head by the belt area front and rear.
Aug 23, 2010 at 12:11 AM
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BSWAFF12
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it is leaking from inbetween the gasket and the aluminem block i will upload a picture and point out where it is leaking from, in the 2 spots is where it is coming from like the bolts on it needs to be tighter but i have already had 1 snap off that i fixed and got out so i cannot get them tighter then the recomended.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/564495_saturn_1.jpg

Aug 23, 2010 at 12:54 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Is that a metal or plastic valve cover?
Aug 23, 2010 at 1:03 AM
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BSWAFF12
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[quote:4a910f776a="saturntech9"]Is that a metal or plastic valve cover?[/quote:4a910f776a]

in mine is black plastic, it was dark couldent get a good picture lastnight so i got one off google
Aug 23, 2010 at 9:50 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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It's supposed to be plastic that's why the picture threw me off.When you replace the gasket all you have to do to keep it from leaking on those two places is put a nice bead of silicone across the straight edge where the front cover meet's the head.That's the trick for it not leaking.
Aug 23, 2010 at 12:14 PM