I used blue loctite when redoing my VCGs, simply from the standpoint that "it can't hurt".

about a year ago I did my vc gaskets and all related. Using a 1/4 inch pound torque, torqued them in sequence specified in FSM.
However, that is as far as I got one night, so the next day before proceeding I decided to check my torques and I was able to tweek them all a little bit. Maybe because they are basically fat rubber washers.
SO for me...if I have to do it again, im gonna try to do the same thing, install , let sit overnight, check em then proceed.

I know this is not possible for a lot of people as they ( or customers) need their rigs back same day

(It was not my torque wrench, ive used that one on a lot of delicate motorcycle stuff where I would be checking an assembly next day and had no difference)

Where’s this fsm? What is the torque spec? 13 to 16 ft lbs?

I purchased a '99 4R and found a lot of fluid underneath the engine. Seemed to be all over the place. Is this likely from a leaking VCG? What should I look for?

I think 13? correct if wrong.

Well with mine the heaviest buildup is (not surprisingly) around the valve covers. They've been leaking for years, but are tied with timing belt on the 2024 todo list, behind clutch. Mine also smokes with smoldering oil when i come to a stop with a hot engine, but that probably isn't diagnostic. You could try cleaning around the valve covers and see if they get oily again.

I would spray them down with brake clean, especially near the back ( firewall area) and wipe with a rag, then run it a few days, and with engine cool reach behind ( near firewall) and feel for oil, as well as obvious observation of everything else. Ive done 3, and two the leak was mainly near the half moons, my current rig has a slight leak and I have the parts to do....but where is it leaking ? at the back at the half moons

Dude… thank you for this. I noticed mine starting to weep a few months ago. Had it in the shop for diag help and they noticed it’d gotten a lot worse. $800 for gasket job. Saw this thread a few days later. Just went out and checked. Half of mine were so loose the ratchet wouldn’t even engage. Had to give em a few turns by hand before snugging to spec. Will keep an eye on it but think I’ve bought myself some time. Thanks again for making this thread 🤙🏼

I have a 1999 thats been leaking didnt want to deal with it, but im going to try and see if bolts are loose.