My valve cover is leaking again in the same place. Drivers side lower rear behind the last spark plug. I changed the gaskets about a year ago, if that. I read on here the proper torque is 8 ft lbs. Has anyone tried more or less torque? It seems to me a bad design because there aren't any bolts on that corner.

Have others had the same leak, any success or tips?

 

I replaced value cover gaskets about ten days ago. I didn't like the looks of rubber on machined aluminum, so I used a little #2 permatex (non hardening) along the lower edge. I just used my finger to wipe a very small, thin coating along the gasket's lower edge before attaching. I would NOT try to over tighten those screws. I used 10 Nm which is about 7~8 Ft. Lbs. The lower edge of the value cover/gasket is always subjected to oil unlike the top edge. Even when the car is parked for a few days oil will be setting along that edge of the valve cover. I also used a small bead of black ultra silicone RTV in the grove of the valve cover. This will hold the gasket in place while you put it in position as well as seal that joint between gasket and valve cover all around the cover I checked the torque after driving the first time and then a few days later. Each time the screws had loosened a small amount, but now seem to have settled in at 10 Nm. I have had no leaks.

 

I used a high-temp silicone vacuum grease on mine. Just made the rubber surfaces wet, not enough to see, Been good for 3 years.