[Jhe]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but I'll take my chances.
I just removed my valve cover and intake manifold for basic maintenance.... and to do the poor mans intake valve cleaning.... Sea Foam, a huge mess and brass brushes. My gasket set comes in on Tuesday. Aside from the obvious steps to replacing the covers, Are there any secret tips, advice, etc. I should beware of before I attempt the install? This is my first go around doing this, so I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by forgetting a step, or doing something incorrectly.
Again, I apologize if this post is in the wrong location, so please bare with me.
Thanks.

[PichaDis11]

Gasket for what car? .... or engine

[Jhe]

I guess that would make a difference knowing what engine and car I'm talking about. Although it does say next to my user name that I drive a 2010 E92 335.... Pretty lame I didn't include it in my post. It's a 2010 335 E92 N54.

[Jklad]

Just suggestions:
-order an extra spark plug sleeve in case you bend one
-did you buy some extra bolts in case you lose a few during removal??
-break off and install a new PVC hose; it's not worth dealing with and is probably gunket up anyways.
-order and install rb PVC if you havnt already (if n54)
-rtv the corners
-have you changed plugs lately? If not do it now while your there. Oh, and coils too.

Valve cleaning with brushes-
-Buy more brushes than you'll need and just return what you don't use
-carb cleaner worked better for me than seafoam did
-Lay towels out allover underneath
-on my manual I got the valves to move by rocking the car back and forth instead of using crank bolt, you can do 2 at a time
-it's messy as hell
-vaccum line from manifold - do not remove it from here unless you plan to replace bc the plastic nipple could break easily; instead, disconnect at y-fitting before the dv's (n54)

[Jhe]

Wow!!! You've obviously been there before. Thanks for the tips and recommendations.... I wish I saw this before I re-assembled my engine. I did do some of what you mentioned... fresh plugs and sleeves, though I did not do the coils... Probably would have if money wasn't an issue. I'm not sure what RTV the corners means, so I didn't do that. Was extremely anal about labeling and placement of the parts I removed, so no issues there. And finally, no PVC replacement.... hopefully I won't regret that.
Thanks again man, much appreciated.