Spark Plug job on 540

[Shankster]

I read the plugs all come with an anti sieze compound on the threads anyway. How about the Valve Cover gaskets? Do they require any kind of cement or anything or just slip them on and bolt them down?

Thin bead of O2 sensor safe sealant on the half moon sections and towards the front of the motor where the joint is (the 90 degree turns). You'll see the mating surface when you take the vc off.

I used a thin film of motor oil on the part of the gasket which fits into the cover. I think the official reco is to use glycerin. No idea where to find it.

[Jehu]

Thin bead of O2 sensor safe sealant on the half moon sections and towards the front of the motor where the joint is (the 90 degree turns). You'll see the mating surface when you take the vc off.

I used a thin film of motor oil on the part of the gasket which fits into the cover. I think the official reco is to use glycerin. No idea where to find it.

Eeeeeggggcellent! Great suggestions. I can see my way clear now.Thanks a million.

[stargazer_61]

Like everyone else says, torque correctly center to outside & use new grommets. You can bang them out with a deep socket, 7 or 8 mm, I can't remember what I used.

Also make sure that the gasket surface and grove on the VC is clean and smooth. Mine were very crusty. I was having mine bead blasted and powder coated so I didn't worry about that once I saw how nasty they were.

[Jehu]

Something just occurred to me and i guess i was ambiguous about this job. I did mention valve covers because i thought i had to remove them to change the spark plugs.. I just realized i do not need to remove the entire valve cover and i believe the seller just over a year ago replaced the valve cover gaskets so i guess i have a set of new gaskets if anyone wants to buy them,lol.. I would return them but the plastic covering on the package ripped so i doubt they'd accept them back.

[E34 530]

Something just occurred to me and i guess i was ambiguous about this job. I did mention valve covers because i thought i had to remove them to change the spark plugs.. I just realized i do not need to remove the entire valve cover and i believe the seller just over a year ago replaced the valve cover gaskets so i guess i have a set of new gaskets if anyone wants to buy them,lol.. I would return them but the plastic covering on the package ripped so i doubt they'd accept them back.

lol, I was so confused reading your post thinking "why is he going to remove the entire valve cover to change spark plugs," but just shrugged it off. But now your post confirms it.

[Jehu]

I think i got the idea reading archived posts which included other models .

[632 Regal]

I over read this thread also, I thought he wanted to replace the plugs as he replaced the VC gaskets...hmpff

I too initially believed to use antiseize untill Bill mentioned not to and pointed me to a link. I dont need to be stripping stuff out. If the bolt/sparkplug dont have a zink coating use antiseize if its coated its good to go as is. This would apply to any bolts going into aluminum.

Another great point mentioned in this thread is NEVER EVER remove plugs/bolts on a hot engine, it WILL remove the threads in the aluminum with the bolt.

I think i got the idea reading archived posts which included other models .