BDT DIY How To Install 2013 Audi B8.5 S4 3.0t Valve Cover Gasket

How's it going everyone, I know it's been a minute since we've posted a video, but hopefully you like what we have in store for you!
For today, I will be showing you how to properly remove/ install your Valve cover gasket on a 2013 Audi S4. Please feel free to leave a comment with any questions you have regarding the process.
Also, if there's anything you would like us to cover on this car let us know!
________________________________________________________________________________
This Tutorial is provided as a courtesy by Boost Dynamic Tuning
Proper service and repair procedures are vital to the safe, reliable operation of all motor vehicles as well as the personal safety of those performing the repairs. Standard safety procedures and precautions (Including use of safety goggles and proper tools and equipment) should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise safety.
Although this material has been prepared with the intent to provide reliable information, no warranty (Express or implied) is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Neither is any liability assumed for loss or damage resulting from reliance on this material.
SPECIFICALLY, NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY IS MADE OR TO BE IMPLIED WITH RESPECT TO THIS MATERIAL.
In no event will Boost Dynamic Tuning, LLC or its affiliates be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, consequential or compensatory, arising out of the use of this material.

[@jamesh7201]

You're the man, thank you so much for the video. I'm a nurse not a mechanic ha but tackled this job with the help of your video. Did crack the pcv hose a bit but nothing JB weld couldn't handle. My tip is that T30 swivel socket is essential before taking this on, the back nuts on either side are horrendous to get to. I ordered one out of spite after finishing the job.

[@boostdynamictuning]

Thank you! Also thanks for working through this hard time as a nurse. I should of said (BUY THIS TOOL, BEFORE YOU DO THIS JOB!) 😂 I hate that corner!

[@DestinationRC]

Thanks for this video, it's super helpful and much appreciated as I wanted to tackle this. One thing I do a little differently when I remove the coil packs is I find that sticking things in the connector risks damaging it. What I have found to be most effective and safest is to press the tab and then push forward and pull back. Seems to work every time and no worries about bending or snapping the clip on the connector.

[@boostdynamictuning]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@dchapel100]

Hey just watched your video and man it gave me the confidence to change gaskets out. Your the man thanks again

[@boostdynamictuning]

I'm glad it helped my friend. Happy new years!

[@tylerevans2261]

Have a estoril b8.5 S5. Was in for DSG and engine service. Take it to an Audi tech who works for Audi during the day and has his own personal shop. This is how I will always do it. Y’all the best. He noticed my valve covers leaking. Doing that job for me too!

[@boostdynamictuning]

I'm very glad I could help somebody out! Thanks for watching!

[@boolins4996]

The perfect tutorial video. Much appreciated

[@boostdynamictuning]

Not a problem! Glad I could help someone!

[@KriptoVlogs]

Got a new sub here just got my self a B8.5 and looking into DIY videos to see what has been done great video definitely will keep it saved for the future

[@boostdynamictuning]

Thank you! We definitely have a lot more videos coming. Glad to have helped someone.

[@KriptoVlogs]

@@boostdynamictuning 9NM ?? That made one of my bolts snap I’m just going to hand tighten them fuck the 9NM 😆

[@MrRoflAzn]

YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE FUEL HOSE! I Just simply zip tied it to the headlight frame so it wouldn't get in my way. Also torque it to spec ALWAYS! I learned this the hard way lol A great video though!

[@nicholasmofidi2359]

Have you ever ran into the valve covers warping on these 3.0ts? Ive heard of some people saying they warp and replacing the gasket wont solve the leak? Wondering if I need to order valve covers too? Thanks

[@jj-tq4hx]

Great video and very helpful if tackling this yourself! I do notice a burning oil smell from the engine bay after driving and noticed oil seeping through the bolts on one Drivers side and one on the passenger side. Could this perhaps be the gasket??

[@bikramgosal8064]

i got the same problem did you solve it

[@jimmysmith9209]

What are the tools you used to get the back bolt? Super helpful video, tackled it last weekend!. Thanks!

[@jperrod1979]

If you have a tiny flex head 1/4"ratchet you'll be able to start and finish it... Socket between two hands so you don't drop it to wind out and back in

[@ricolam4916]

Were there any air in the coolant system?

[@jeffwithglasses6976]

that light on the hood is fukin dope

[@115zombiees]

My kit came with a silicone sealant, is it needed?

[@TxaWarrior20]

When should you do that procedure? At what specific mileage or if you do it when you see if you have a leak!?

[@boostdynamictuning]

It's all personal preference, but I normally change mine when I start noticing a leak.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I've got a 2015 Q7 and it seems to have an oil leak somewhere near the rear passenger side. Do you think it is the valve cover gasket?

[@boostdynamictuning]

I don't assume or take guesses. You can easily look at the gasket and see if it's leaking. Get the data

[@Bumm1965]

Don't know if anyone had asked you why you replaced the valve cover gasket... Can you please clarify Were there any symptoms that lead you to the valve cover?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Gasket was leaking oil. Only reason to really replace it unless you’re doing preventive maintenance

[@bradleystoker3705]

Great Video! Question tho...many kits include Silicone sealant to use in the corners. Have you used that before or is that ill advise?

[@bradleystoker3705]

Likewise many kits include 24 securing bolts, overkill?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Thank you! Don't put sealant on the corners. Not needed.

[@smward1126]

@@boostdynamictuningshould you always replace the bolts as well, or can you reuse the bolts

[@boostdynamictuning]

Not advised Not needed That would mess up the mating surface and cause a leak down the road

[@hjaniel4428]

👍

[@donatasdon1869]

Can you change only one side gasket? Or Need to do it in pair ? I have only pasengers side leaking oil.

[@412racing8]

Just the side that’s leaking from

[@YourE39]

Great video! One question though, when you refill the coolant into the coolant tank do you have to bleed the system? If so what's the easiest way to do it?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Anytime I open the coolant system, as in disconnect a line I will bleed the system. Watch my ported and polished supercharger install. I showed how to bleed the coolant system in the video. :) Let me know if you need more help.

[@YourE39]

@@boostdynamictuning I watched the video thank you! Is there a way for the system to self bleed or is the only way to do it by pressurizing the system and bleeding via the screws on the supercharger?

[@boostdynamictuning]

@@YourE39 if you didn’t loose tons of coolant yes it will self bleed.

[@YourE39]

@@boostdynamictuning Thanks! Yeah im just sucking coolant out of the tank for valve cover replacements!

[@nikkodeleonreyes5047]

Did you have to bleed or flush the coolant or you just reinstall and refill the reservoir and done?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Just reinstall and fill.

[@danielmontano7049]

Do you have a shop you do sides jobs with Audi’s

[@boostdynamictuning]

daniel montano sadly I don’t. Just development work.

[@nicopalumbo6124]

I just did mine yesterday but I’m not confident on how tight I got the back bolt on, I started it and let it run until it got to operating temp and no leaks, is this good enough?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Keep driving for a couple days. Make sure to clean up the valve cover and inspect in a week. It will take a couple days to burn off residual oil.

[@nicopalumbo6124]

Boost Dynamic Tuning I just saw this reply now thank you, I actually just bought the car and I am fixing it up as a winter project, I just took it out for a test drive and now I have a coolant leaks that seems to be coming from under the supercharger, I know it could be water pump or thermostat, any other thoughts?

[@tonyrr3214]

Is there anything special you have to do when removing that fuel hose? And how difficult is the back bottom bolt on the drivers side to get to?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Just make sure to relieve fuel pressure first, and yes the bolt is a little tricky to get to, but not impossible!

[@tonyrr3214]

Boost Dynamic Tuning thanks. I got it done but it’s still misfiring at idle so still not working right.

[@tichen1716]

Boost Dynamic Tuning How do you relieve the fuel pressure?

[@tonyrr3214]

Ti Chen I just disconnected it and a little fuel came out. No pressure in it

[@ijdad99]

My only question is why not disconnect the vacuum line and sensor connector so that the cleaning can be done away from the engine? Is it because the 4-side vacuum hose connector is prone to break? I know those valve cover bolts can and will fall out when turning the cover upside down, which is better away from the engine. Great video... thanks!

[@boostdynamictuning]

The 4 side (PCV) connector isn’t actually removable. In the audi manual it states one time use. This is why I did it that way. Just following Audi instructions so nothing breaks.

[@ijdad99]

Ah. Thanks. I don't have the manual, so I sometimes find stuff the hard way. I have found that with 4 small screwdrivers it can be popped off, but the plastic is easily broken. Then it's easily fixed with a wire tie. :)

[@ijdad99]

First, thanks for the video. I did the driver's side yesterday and it was a perfect repair with no issues and no second attempts (rare). I thought I'd clarify my earlier question for anyone reading this. I was used to my 3.2 FSI engine which has a similar hose but a different connector which can be reused. The 3.0T engine has a different connector on that hose, so my question above made little sense. Thanks for clearing that up, and for the info that it's single use. I probably would have tried to remove it and had to buy a new one. Great video. Much appreciated.

[@boostdynamictuning]

@@ijdad99 not a problem! That totally makes sense. Yes you can totally get away with disconnecting it on the 3.2l engine. As you know I almost breaks when you look at it 😂

[@AllanDrJones]

This was my big question too. I would definitely remove and bring to bench. Those PCV hose clips are easier on the B8 I think; I have not had an issue.. iIrc the B8.5 models made these things a bitch..

[@GuyCelestre]

Just did the passenger side yesterday - with a 1/4" ratchet drive and stubby T-30, I was able to tighten, but could not figure out how to get a torque wrench on it. Using the stubby T-30 with a 1/4" swivel and 1/4" extension to the torque wrench, I couldn't make it happen. How'd you get a torque wrench to that corner bolt?

[@boostdynamictuning]

I didn’t lol had to do the ole good and tight torque 😂

[@GuyCelestre]

@@boostdynamictuning - so far, no leaks (weird that the valve cover is plastic though so overtightening would not be a good thing).

[@boostdynamictuning]

@@GuyCelestre after six years as an automotive tech I would hope I could hand torque something right 😂 to other I wish you luck 🙏

[@rcl300018]

Anybody know the part number for the bolts on the gasket? Thanks

[@boostdynamictuning]

rcl300018 I don’t but if you call the dealership they will.

[@bikramgosal8064]

i got oil coming out of the screws would it be the same problem

[@boostdynamictuning]

Yes correct. A gasket might fix your problem

[@ElyciusM]

just started this job on mine. was only able to get passenger side done today. doing the other side tomorrow. turned the car on after putting it back together and i hear a little bit of ticking now, only at idle. goes away as soon as i give any gas. No codes or anything. And i don't smell any burning or see any steam/smoke. Felt around and it feels like the ticking is coming from the evap purge valve. on top of the engine, under the top cover, right above the throttle body. not sure what would cause that to happen. doesnt sound or look like there are any leaks or anything up there. Any ideas?

[@boostdynamictuning]

That's awesome, I'm glad we were able to make a video to help with the job! As far as the ticking noise goes, that is completely normal. It's one of those sounds you don't notice until you change a part and start seriously listening to the car LOL.

[@ElyciusM]

@@boostdynamictuning I mean, I usually always noticed some which I always just blamed on the direct injection, but it just seemed louder haha. but I guess I'm just hearing things, and being over critical lol. always overly nervous something will go wrong. I did finish the other side the next day and the car has been running great since. no oil loss from what I can tell yet. but your vid helped a lot. thanks!

[@Warringkoo]

@@ElyciusM I've always noticed a minor ticking sound from the passenger half of the valve cover. I was afraid it was a timing chain issue. @Boost Dynamic Tuning is this something you can comment on?

[@cjbht19minaret]

Should I replace coil packs if oil has gotten on them?

[@boostdynamictuning]

James Benjamin no you don’t.

[@cjbht19minaret]

@@boostdynamictuning thank you!

[@kennedysandoval2824]

Did you disconnect the battery for this?

[@boostdynamictuning]

No, I did not, but it is always recommend.

[@popeyes7376]

Do you need to replace these bolts each time ?

[@boostdynamictuning]

We did not replace the bolts, but we always highly recommend replacing the rubber O rings.

[@phantom_heart2323]

Hello, could you give me a list of all the tools used/needed? Thanks, I’m about to attempt 😅

[@boostdynamictuning]

T30 7mm 8mm 90 degree pick tool Should be all you need

[@phantom_heart2323]

@@boostdynamictuning thanks a bunch!

[@phantom_heart2323]

@@boostdynamictuning I also bought some new bolts for the valve cover. Is there a way to remove the bolts from the cover, or are they made to stay connected to the cover?

[@boostdynamictuning]

@@phantom_heart2323 you can remove the bolts. Pushing them out takes some force.

[@phantom_heart2323]

@@boostdynamictuning just got them out. Man, tough on those fingers😅

[@coreyokeefe1270]

Did you use new bolts for valve covers?

[@boostdynamictuning]

I did not as they’re not torque to yield bolts.

[@ijdad99]

I have found it depends on the age of the gasket when doing the project. The issue is that the bolts come with a gasket on them (can't be purchased separately) which seals with the valve cover gasket. If the seal on the bolt gets old and loses flexibility, then it won't seal with the new gasket and you have another leak. They are expensive, so you don't want to buy if not needed. I'd say at 100k miles, you'll likely need at least a few.

[@boostdynamictuning]

@@ijdad99 these bolts are not torque to yield. The gasket comes separately and no need to buy bolts. If you need to buy new bolts it means you didn’t follow torque specs and now the bolt is stretched. Hints why one would need to buy a new bolt.

[@ijdad99]

I know they are not torque to yield... it's aluminum and as said in the video, 9 NM. I could not find the rubber grommet anywhere, so I just bought new ones because the old grommets leaked. If you know where the grommets can be purchased, please post here. Thx

[@distortion4507]

You don’t need to take the plugs out?

[@boostdynamictuning]

I did not. It's recommended you don't, so that you don't get dirt in there.

[@brennanderamus5264]

What is the torque sequence?

[@boostdynamictuning]

Crisscross pattern

[@davidmusiyenko4158]

How often do I gotta replace them?

[@boostdynamictuning]

I wouldn’t replace until it leaks. Usually every 50,000 is when they go in my opinion.

[@thenotoriousjoey9956]

@@boostdynamictuning mine Is seeping and I work at the dealer and I’m paying a tech on the side he said 50 bucks reasonable ?

[@Bumm1965]

Ps are you in SO CAL by any chance

[@boostdynamictuning]

I am not, I’m in Michigan atm

[@B58Gjon]

@@boostdynamictuning where at in michigan?

[@B58Gjon]

@@boostdynamictuning do you have insta?

[@boostdynamictuning]

@@B58Gjon I do... it's boostdynamictuning

[@B58Gjon]

@@boostdynamictuning once I get my valve cover gasket replaced I’ll be stopping by to come do the good ole tunes 034🤙🏼

[@Alonso_99]

What type of Torque wrench do you use? Very helpful video by the way!

[@boostdynamictuning]

Snap on all day! Not a problem