Rocker cover gasket and torque settings

[lordofthewings]

I have noticed some oil leaking past the rocker cover gaskets on my S3 (approx. 3 years since they were done). Rather than take everything apart to replace them what's a good guide to how tight the rocker cover retaining bolts should be - just sort of tighter than finger tight, or is there a proper torque setting ? Anyhow I should also add that for cleaning engines the best invention ever must be pet ear cotton buds (woohoo, Dragon's Den moment - darn it somebody got there before me).

[phillpot]

This, imho, a socket on a screwdriver handle and you shouldn't be able to overtighten anything, stripping threads or snapping bolts

[lordofthewings]

phillpot said:

This, imho, a socket on a screwdriver handle and you shouldn't be able to overtighten anything, stripping threads or snapping bolts

Quite so …. I do of course have proper tools as well for when needed, but for simple DIY jobs the ol' ratchet-handle screwdriver works just fine -- apply too much force and the plastic sleeve covering the handle just slips !

[Bercilac]

I cleaned both surfaces very thoroughly and made sure that everything was flat with a steel rule. I then used a little engine oil on both surfaces and fitted the gaskets carefully.

I didn't torque them, just tightened them a full turn more than finger tight. I figured that as half seem to be going into soft alloy of the inlet manifold and half into the steel of the head, accurate torquing when cold might be a bit futile.

After getting up to temperature there were no leaks, so I made sure none were working loose and turned my attention to the front crankshaft oil seal which I had incorrectly fitted!