Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi Folks -

I am currently replacing the cam cover gasket and the four associated O plugs rings. I have the correct items from OPC - I have cleaned the appropriate channels of crud and old RTV. It all looks very clean and I'm ready to go...

The basic reason for this little job, is the tiny spillage into the plug wells - very very minor small but annoying...

My Question is: I took the cam bolts off with an allen key, using a small breaker bar/rod - bit tight but got them loose. So - can I refit the bolts using the same method (ie a bit of grunt) - but in what sequence? You will understand now that I don't have that tiny torque wrench in my kit to do the job...

Your advice would be appreciated...

Thanks -

Dave
CT

Think they are only 7lb/ft, so just about nipped up, very little force required

Find whoever tightened them that much and slap them around the face with a wet haddock. If you have a receipt indicating that a "specialist" / "dealer" was last in there, take note of their name and never use them again.

As previously stated, they should only be 10Nm (7.5ftlb).

Thanks guys -

I had thought as much when I removed them (ie bloody tight..!) On inspection of the of the bolts themselves - they don't appear to be the 'torque type' - ie they have a specific thread length with a shamfer end and would therefore 'set' nicely when tightened sufficiently...

I have taken your advice (Waylander and GlennS) and nipped them all up to a cosey fit.

Thanks once again -

Dave CT

It's a common mistake I have seen alot of specialists make regardless of brand.

However, ensure that all of the rubber seals are changed including the ones around the bolts ; it was probably the reason why they were overtightened, especially when owners go down the pub and have their mate say that they were ripped off over a gasket swap.

I had someone at work calling me a muppet for paying £35 for an MOT, and then he was saying about how he spent £400 at his last MOT....

I agree - the problem arises when you go to your garage tech - tell him the problem (ie mine - oil filled plugs) - they fill the old gasket with RTV, screw the securing bolts down bugger hard and send you on your way with a short bill to pay. A few months later, on a DIY plug check, still now oil in the spark holes.

QED: Do the job yourself, with OP parts, if it is you means to do so...

Dave
CT