My question is this is my first time changing the valve cover gaskets on a XF. I have a torque set, and a torque wrench. I bought a really nice kit , came with all new gaskets, hoses and gasket maker. Ok actually 2 questions.

Is it better to clean the engine after all is installed and cured to get rid of all the dirt and grease on the engine.

and also please share any tips and advice on how to complete the process thank you inadvance

 

The definitive thread on that topic is right here:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...over-leak.html

My saga starts at post 218, but if you read the entire thread, you will learn way more.

Lessons learned along the way:
1) Do'nt try to do this in one hour, the only way to do it RIGHT is to take your time.
2) Maxchion's posts are very helpful - at least to me.
3) You need a new bolt set and gasket set (I got mine from Needswings.com) as well as Ultra Black RTV sealant.
4) I used Max's "tongue depresser" technique to apply the RTV and it worked well.

 

I would clean around the covers before I took anything apart as you do not want crud falling in the engine when the covers are off.
You can either change the small screws on the two little covers with aluminum or stainless steel screws. I would get aluminum screws.
The larger screws are OK for reuse, torque the screws to the recommended settings. The aluminum screws might break if reused.
Do a search on how to do this job.