Valvecover Gasket

[TurboDaze]

I just purchased my GTI, its a 1995, and i know it will need a valvecover gasket very soon, But i am wondering if anyone has any tips and or advice for me. I've never worked on VW's before, and i really don't want to make any noobie mistakes. Plus i need to do a wheel bearing also, so if anyone knows the cheapest place to buy the tool to remove it, plus additional part needed, i would apreciate it.

[Skylineracer329]

Regarding the vac,e cover gasket:

Make sure you clean off all the old gasket or the new one won't seal

Don't over tighten the valve cover bolts, they snap easily.

When tightening the bolts, get everything hand tight first, then tighten the rest of the way in a star pattern so you don't squeeze the gasket out of place.

[Skylineracer329]

Also, might not be a bad idea to replace the spark plugs too. Bad valve cover gaskets can damage them because of the leaking oil.

[TurboDaze]

@Skylineracer329, Thanks! My wheel bearing actually did go out yesterday at 60Mph, Fun times. Lol, But i will deffinitely heed to your advice when i do the gasket, Also if you know of typical engine upgrades i can do for fairly cheap, Id love to hear them. Im looking forward to summer with this car, And id like to race up north of me in June.

[Skylineracer329]

@Skylineracer329, Thanks! My wheel bearing actually did go out yesterday at 60Mph, Fun times. Lol, But i will deffinitely heed to your advice when i do the gasket, Also if you know of typical engine upgrades i can do for fairly cheap, Id love to hear them. Im looking forward to summer with this car, And id like to race up north of me in June.

A short ram intake is fairly cheap and easy to do. You'll get a little better gas mileage and some extra HP.

You could upgrade the plugs and coil packs (if you're replacing the plugs anyways) for better ignition. Better ignition = better mpg and more power.