Valve Cover Gasket Question

[Kakboy]

Hello,
I have a question about installing a new valve cover gasket. In trying to put the cover (with the new gasket) back on, I could not get it to close all of the way. You can see it here, the gasket is the blue line:

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I'm pretty new to working on cars and I have a lot to learn but this can't be correct...can it? I'm afraid to tighten anymore because I am using a lot of force (I think my torque wrench isn't working properly) and one of the bolts already snapped. The cover is lined up and the gasket is seated properly. I have driven it like this and it's running fine and it isn't leaking but shouldn't the cover be closed all the way and the gasket not visible?

Thanks for any help you can provide,

Ken

[joatmon]

First off, Welcome to GenVibe!

I think that's the way its supposed to be, or at least I should say, I replaced mine a month or so ago, and I just went out, took off the plastic engine cover, and I have about the same amount of blue gasket showing between the block and valve cover.

Sucks about snapping off one of the bolts, but you could just keep an eye on it and if it doesn't leak, it's probably ok. I'd be inclined to take the cover back off and see if I could get the broken bit out and use a replacement bolt. I don't remember what the thread or length of those is, but you can probably buy one at a hardware store. If you do pull it off and replace the bolt, remember to clean off the old and use new dabs of sealant in the two little spots where the timing chain cover bolts on to the left side of the block,

If you replaced the gasket because of a leak, you likely also have a leak at the timing chain tensioner on the upper left back of the block. It's pretty easy thing to do, see viewtopic.php?f=12&t=43333 , but that's for the base engine, if you have a GT (2ZZ engine) its way more complicated

[Kakboy]

Joatman,

Thanks for the response! I feel a lot better about it now. I will work on that bolt this weekend.

I've been lurking on this site for a while now...what a great resource it is.

One more question...Is the plastic engine cover necessary? I mean, does it actually serve a purpose (i.e. cutting down on engine noise, or protection) or is it simply there to look nice. I would rather just not use it if it is not necessary.

Thanks again,
Ken

[joatmon]

I keep mine on because it gets pretty dirty, and I figure its keeping all that dirt/dust/road spray off the coil packs and ignition wires.

[lannvouivre]

It's there to keep water and debris away from the coil packs and injectors, and helps muffle some sound. You'll be fine without it; the 98-2001 1ZZ engines did not have one at all.