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Old 02-23-2012, 01:33 PM   #1
Scubaru23
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Default Valve Cover Gasket Leak

I have an 02 WRX and I recently had a problem with my valve cover gasket leaking. I decided to not pay someone to do it since it looked easy enough. Well, I'm an idiot and somehow messed it up. It leaks much more oil now then it did before. I haven't driven it just started it up and let it idle for a bit to see the results. I got everything cleaned well and replaced. I think my big problem is with the bonding agent I used. I don't know if I didn't apply enough or if the stuff I used sucks. I used Indian Head Gasket Shellac Compound. My big question is whether or not I can just take it off again and clean the everything up and use a different compound or if I have to buy another valve cover gasket. Any help would be great!
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Old 02-23-2012, 01:39 PM   #2
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yes you can do it your self. i did it on mine the best way to do it and the right way is buy

the valve cover gasket
all the mounting bolts w the little rubber grommets
alos buy both of the cam plugs the half black hard moon shaped pieces
use Honda bond or Toyota's pfig stuff

should run you around 50-60 for everything as i just did this o and the torque is like 2.5 ft pounds so be careful you don't break the bolts as i did and it was a major head ache.


if you do all this it will run smooth. and clean clean clean as i cannot stress this enough for the rubber seal to make a nice closed off area around the valve cover.
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Old 02-23-2012, 07:43 PM   #3
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you only need the RTV over the cam half moons, not around the whole head. and where is it leaking from??
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Old 02-23-2012, 10:10 PM   #4
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Thge half moons are a real pain to get to seal with out the fuji bond. Dont try to use regular rtv as it will breakdown and leak. It is definalty a DIY job though so dont get intimidated
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Old 02-24-2012, 09:13 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dictoresno View Post
you only need the RTV over the cam half moons, not around the whole head. and where is it leaking from??
The Subaru FSM as well as what was done when the car is built tend to disagree with you on that...

As someone who has fought the half moons on numerous occasions, the BEST product to use is Hondabond HT. Better than fujibond even, by a long shot.

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Old 02-24-2012, 12:25 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rkramer View Post
The Subaru FSM as well as what was done when the car is built tend to disagree with you on that...

As someone who has fought the half moons on numerous occasions, the BEST product to use is Hondabond HT. Better than fujibond even, by a long shot.



look at that fool he said honda bond...anyways that fuji crap is kind of hard to find.

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Old 02-24-2012, 12:34 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Subey03 View Post
look at that fool he said honda bond...anyways that fuji crap is kind of hard to find.


dealer has it. fuji bond and its jdm yo lol. i used it on my oil pan after i changed the pick up and it hasnt leaked a drop.
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:38 AM   #8
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So I took off the valve cover today and saw that the upper half moon towards the top was already ripped in two. Somehow when I put it on before it must have gotten twisted or I did something else. I've picked up a new gasket and have recleaned everything and tomorrow I'm going to be putting it back together. How long do you suggest letting the hondabond or fujibond sit before turning on the car and driving?
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Old 02-25-2012, 01:40 PM   #9
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Clean Clean Clean everything! Then just use Permatex Ultra Grey on the half moons and the corners of the cam caps on the front. The Ultra Grey is the same thing as Fujibond and does't cost out the a** plus you can buy it at any auto parts store.

*edit* any kind of sealant like that needs to cure at least over night at a minimum, 24hrs would be best.
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Old 02-27-2012, 04:03 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 340Duster View Post
Clean Clean Clean everything! Then just use Permatex Ultra Grey on the half moons and the corners of the cam caps on the front. The Ultra Grey is the same thing as Fujibond and does't cost out the a** plus you can buy it at any auto parts store.

*edit* any kind of sealant like that needs to cure at least over night at a minimum, 24hrs would be best.
another vote for ultra grey. thats what i used.
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Old 03-19-2012, 03:31 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dictoresno View Post
another vote for ultra grey. thats what i used.
This is reaching way back in the memory bank but I think the Honda guys say Grey is the same as Hondabond
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Old 02-25-2012, 09:25 PM   #12
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Another vote for Hondabond HT.
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Old 02-26-2012, 01:09 AM   #13
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i did mine last june did both sides in a day no leaks yet... And yes clean every thing the only way ur gonna get a good seal...every post ive read on this almost every one said use honda bond
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Old 03-19-2012, 08:49 AM   #14
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Pick up some Hondabond HT, you can find it most power sports shop parts dept (i.e. motorcycle shop/atv/dirt bike). I spent $14 and tax for a tube of it that will probably last me a while. The Subaru FSM states to torque the bolts to 4.7 ft-lbs, so I picked up a in-lb 1/4" torque wrench from Harbor Freight so I could get those hard to reach bolts tightened down.
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Old 03-19-2012, 10:26 AM   #15
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To make sure you don't roll the gasket out of the valve cover when putting it on, get some windshield sealant, and run a thin bead inside the valve cover, then put the gasket in and place something heavy and flat, like a textbook on it for about 20 minutes. A Chrysler veteran tech taught me this trick, helped me greatly when doing my drivers side valve cover.
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Old 03-15-2014, 08:14 PM   #16
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I've been running my car with a leak for about a year now and having to deal with that awful smell and white smoke. i removed the air intake and found this. do you think its possibly just my valve cover gasket? i have a 05 wrx

Last edited by Udigod; 03-15-2014 at 08:16 PM. Reason: no picture
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Old 03-15-2014, 11:14 PM   #17
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Very likely its something like that.

Maybe check your CV boots on the on drivers side. If it blows and spews grease on the heatshield it's gonna smell too.

When we see your pic it might help clear it up but if you cant see anything else on that side prolly your valve cover.
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Old 03-16-2014, 10:47 AM   #18
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If the engine is out or you have enough room to get a torque wrench in there, then sweet. Otherwise use a 1/4" socket wrench and just snug them all up. It should be tight, but not torqued down hard like with a 3/8" drive.

Another thing is where you put the honda bond for the valve cover. Please don't do what the DIY's say here because all of the ones I have seen are wrong. The fsm verified this... The RTV for the valve cover goes on the cylinder head, not between the groove of the valve cover and the valve cover gasket, trust me, I've done it incorrectly 3 times and finally read every word of that FSM page, and then called my local Subaru dealer that has been around for a long time and their engine guy confirmed
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Old 03-16-2014, 02:06 PM   #19
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How do you post pictures? It's rather difficult on here. I just checked and the driver side boot is torn, but the smoke and smell comes from the turbo area. I also noticed lots of fresh oil on the pipe below the valve cover. I think it might be that.
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Old 03-16-2014, 10:42 PM   #20
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Yup sounds like the valve covers. Also That boot turns pretty fast at highway speed and has no trouble throwing grease all over your heat shield ect. It can make it all the way too your hood on a well packed boot that tears. The grease burns at a higher temp and you will smell that longer then the regular oil. You will need to get a new CV axle when ever you can as well as your valve covers.
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Old 03-16-2014, 11:40 PM   #21
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Does anyone know how much a shop or dealer would charge for install on the valve seal gasket/half moons cam seals/grommets? or how many hours the job is?
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Old 03-17-2014, 12:24 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scottyoh530 View Post
Does anyone know how much a shop or dealer would charge for install on the valve seal gasket/half moons cam seals/grommets? or how many hours the job is?
It's pretty steep. I think my dealer charges around 600
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Old 03-17-2014, 12:43 AM   #23
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It's pretty steep. I think my dealer charges around 600
WHOA.. I thought I read 200-300 from the dealer, but damn thats steep!
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Old 03-17-2014, 01:52 AM   #24
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.....

Last edited by Shiftace420; 03-17-2014 at 01:53 AM. Reason: nvm
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Old 03-17-2014, 10:00 AM   #25
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I was recently quoted by an independent shop $175 per side including gaskets
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