valve cover gasket DIY - 3.0t

[Maff_u]

I'm thinking of tackling this job myself but wanted to see if there were any helpful tips or tricks before I get started. I've already done spark plugs and an intake tube so I have experience with about half the job right there already. After viewing various youtube DIYs, my biggest concern is the breather hose at the back of the cover. If i break that then the SC has to come up and any money i was hoping to save is out the window. From what i see, some people just keep it connected and flip the cover up towards the windshield for cleaning and prep. others use credit cards/picks to loosen the connection and take it off completely. Does anyone have any experience with this job? also, none of the videos mentioned needing RTV but I did come across a couple posts on here which did. is it necessary?

I was quoted roughly $450 to get both sides done which honestly isn't bad but if i can save myself $400 by DIY and it isn't a huge pita, i'd like to go that route.

[q5 dave]

Just did it last week. Prob one of the easiest DIY. Take your time, any question let me know. I didn't use any rtv. don't think it's necessary. Know the torque sequence for properly tightening the cover. it's searchable in the b8 s4 section

see below

Replaced valve cover gaskets. Didn’t realize I had a decent leak until removing the belly pan. Simple job basically 2 torx bits, shop towels and a few cans of brake clean got it done. The breather hose clip was designed by satan. Thankfully someone figured out a trick to easily remove it and put a video on YouTube- basically cut a small hose clamp in half and press that into the clip to release it.

















Wish I had a before picture- the undercarriage had decent oil coverage. At least there’s minimal rust


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[Maff_u]

thanks! i actually just watch the youtube video you referenced where the guy used the piece of hose clamp to release the breather hose. i also saw someone use strips of a cut up credit card to wedge into the 4 connection points. maybe i'll start at the hose clamp and if it proves to be too much, leave it to the professionals.

[Maff_u]

i see you took the coolant reservoir out completely. when i did the spark plugs i just loosened it and was able to move it to the side enough to work. do you think that would be enough to shimmy the valve cover out or is full removal necessary?

[q5 dave]

Clamp trick works great, just take your time and be firm but gentle. It's possible without removing the coolant tank, I didn't plan on removing it- but glad I did. SUPER easy & way more space to work in. Highly recommend. Grab one of these transfer pumps from HF, HD, or walmart/ etc.

[friedliver]

As an alternative if you're having trouble removing the breather hose... I rotated the valve covers around on the breather hoses without removing them and gently held the cover out of the way when I did my gaskets.
I tried to remove the hose for a while before finally giving up and doing it this way.