I recently replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 2004 coupe as they were leaking. I noticed a piece on top of the valve cover, does that have a gasket that needs to be replaced? I don't remember exactly if I looked to see if it can come off or not, I just remember seeing it.

 

The valve cover vents do not have gaskets, you must remove and clean them REAL good and reinstall with new sealant.
Be careful with the tiny aluminum screws, you can easily twist the heads off.
( there's tons of DIY posts on here regarding this )

 

George is right (nothing new there).

I just re-did mine maybe three months ago. I did change the valve cover gaskets, but they were not leaking, the BREATHER cover seals were leaking but since I was doing the work, I wanted to be DONE with it when I was done! The breather covers are sealed using RTV compound and leaks from the breathers are very common.

The safest and most effective way to repair them is:
1) Remove valve covers from engine.
2) Separate the breather covers from the valve covers.
3) Carefully remove the old seal compound and clean both surfaces very well. (I used a toothbrush dipped in gasoline, this dissolved the RTV very well. I then cleaned with "Purple Power".)
4) Apply new RTV and put the two halves together, bolts finger tight. Wait 1/2 hour.
5) Tighten bolts to 7 ft-lbs.
5a) Leave assemblies to dry and RTV to set (I left mine in front of a dehumidifier for a few days - but I'm all OCD)
6) Put assemblies back on the engine, replacing gaskets (but since yours are already new, just reuse the new ones).
7) Tighten bolts to 10 ft-lbs.

 

Thanks pizzaguy!

 

Mark means the BIG bolts, NOT the little ones - leave them be !!!!!

 

Yea:

7) Insert and Tighten the bolts holding the valve covers on to 10 ft-lbs, do not re-tighten the bolts holding the breather covers to the valve covers.


This is one of the FEW times I was not wordy enough.........