Spark Plug Tube Gaskets - How do they fit?

T

thrice1825

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Hey All,

I'm in the process of trying to reinstall my valve cover . I replaced the tube seals but when I go to reattached the valve cover to the engine, the spark plug tubes don't seem to be mating with the gasket properly. I'm wondering if I was given the incorrect spark plug tube gaskets. Does anyone have experience with how these should fit? Should the tubes fit inside the groove?

Thanks in advance!
-Matt
 

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Before installing the new gaskets i did notice the old gaskets looked slightly different. However, I have found a number of incorrect parts used on the car since I purchased it and I was having a problem with oil leaking into my spark plugs so I assumed the incorrect spark plug gasket had been used in the past.
 
Sorry guys, not meaning to bump this but does anyone have a repair manual that puts this type of stuff in laymens terms?

On my BMW's I've always used Bentley
 
The gaskets are V shaped, and should be inserted in such a way that the V is upside down when the covers are in place. So it should look like this:
Code: 
_______^|  |^______

The ^s are the gasket and the | | is the tube.

I realize this is kinda counter intuitive as the V being upside down makes them harder to fit on to the spark plug tube - but that is how they go. The V being the other way would allow oil under pressure to break the seal. With the V facing down, pressure seals them in instead.

I shamefully admit that I could not get my old gaskets out...
 
Does anyone have a trick

So If I'm understanding this correctly the tube must fit inside the seal... Makes sense to me but I can't seem to work the new seals over the tube. iI there a trick or a technique to doing it?
 
The seals are easy to remove. Just flip the VC over and take a screwdriver and working in a circle go around prying it up until it pops out. Obviously, pry up the tab JUST A LITTLE (about 20 degrees) first. Install the same way as any other seal, except when done, use a punch and bend the tabs back down.
When reinstalling the VC, place the VC in position, and starting from one end or the other, use a small screwdriver, pick, awl, reach down into the spark plug holes and gently push the seal edge in a circular motion around the tube until the tube is within the seal. Might have to lift up the VC a little. Repeat with next seal over then the next then the VC should be in place.
 
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When you go to put the VC on, you may need to run your finger around the inside of each seal to help it stretch over each tube. As stated, the seal goes on the outside of the tube.
 
So I was in the process of doing the valve cover gaskets and decided to replace the spark plug seals as well and was in a similar situation. I don't know if I put them in right and maybe you can tell me if I did it right. I have attached two pictures let me know which option is correct.
 

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troopa4life said:
So I was in the process of doing the valve cover gaskets and decided to replace the spark plug seals as well and was in a similar situation. I don't know if I put them in right and maybe you can tell me if I did it right. I have attached two pictures let me know which option is correct.
Click to expand...

Did you ever get conformation as to which way was right and how to make sure everything is sealed properly? I did mine with my VC gaskets about a year ago and they recently started to leak pretty bad, I'm not sure what the problem is and want to figure out the correct way to do it before I replace them again.
 
I went with Option A, and so far no leaks. I still kick myself for not taking a picture of the seal orientation, but to let you know my reasoning why I chose Option A. I spoke to two toyota techs and and idependent mechanic and they both told me to place the seal the way it's shown in Op A. Good Luck and let me know what you decided on.
 
I installed them such as in the picture from the link using a 32mm socket to tap them in. I may have coated the outside with a little grease to help them go into the cover easier. I also put some grease on the inner lip to help them go over the spark plug tube.
 
Based on the link, it looks as though LC went with Option B. Looks like I did it wrong but so far I haven't gotten any leaks. Time will tell...
 
Yep, no leaks in six years.

When in doubt of how a part should fit snap a pic or two before removal. I have learned such the hard way over the years.
 
LC I second that sir, always always take pictures, I got lazy and didn't do it but that's on me. Myrunr2010, Option B is correct bro not A...
 
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