Easy DIY Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

Replacing the valve cover gasket on a 2.0 TSI or TFSI engine is a common DIY repair that can fix oil leaks, restore engine performance, and prevent misfires. This guide will walk you through the steps with tools, torque specs, and helpful tips. Here is EA113 engine.

Replacing the valve cover gasket on a 2.0 TSI or 2.0 TFSI engine is a relatively easy and cost-effective DIY job. The valve cover gasket is made of rubber, which naturally degrades over time. Once it fails, oil can leak into the engine bay or spark plug wells, leading to burning oil smells, misfires, and messy engine compartments.

Luckily, the gasket is a cheap part and replacing it yourself can save money and prevent future issues. Even if it’s your first time, expect to spend no more than 1 hour on this job.

🧰 Tools and Materials Needed:

New valve cover gasket (for 2.0 TSI / TFSI engine)
10mm socket + ratchet
Phillips crewdriver
Torque wrench
Plastic scraper or gasket remover
Rags or paper towels
Brake cleaner
RTV silicone (if required in corners by your gasket kit)
Optional: rubber mallet, small crowbar, hose pick, pilers
Optional but recommended: hot water for stubborn hoses

⚙️ Step-by-Step – Valve Cover Gasket Replacement:

Disconnect the battery for safety.
Remove the engine cover (usually pulls off).
Unplug ignition coil connectors and remove coils.
Remove any PCV hoses or vacuum lines connected to the valve cover.
🔧 Pro Tip: Use a pick or pilers carefully. Better yet, pour hot or boiling water over hose ends to soften the rubber – they’ll slide off much easier.
Unscrew all valve cover bolts using a 10mm socket. Keep bolts organized.
Loosen and remove the valve cover.
This may take some effort. Use a rubber mallet to tap around the edges or carefully use a crowbar to pry it up. Be patient!
Clean the mating surfaces with a plastic scraper and brake cleaner to ensure a perfect seal.
Install the new valve cover gasket
Press it into the groove firmly. Apply RTV silicone at corner areas if your kit recommends it.
Reinstall the valve cover.
Carefully place it back, aligning it properly.
Torque the valve cover bolts to 10Nm using the proper tightening sequence from the service manual.
📸 Check the bolt order in the video or service diagram.
Reconnect all hoses and wiring.
Reinstall ignition coils (torque to 5Nm) and engine cover.
Start the engine and check for leaks. Let it idle for a few minutes and inspect the gasket area.

🔍 Common Challenges:

Stuck hoses – soften with boiling water for easy removal.
Stubborn valve cover – don’t force it; use rubber mallet or pry carefully.

🚘 Why This Repair Matters:

Prevents oil leaks into engine bay or spark plug wells.
Fixes oil smells, poor ignition, and dirty engine.
Extends engine and coil pack life.
Cheap part, easy fix, major peace of mind.

✅ Final Tip:

Enjoy no more oil leaks from your valve cover and drive with peace of mind. Doing this repair yourself means more confidence under the hood and money saved in your pocket.