[Shadowtech]

I have a leaky valuable cover gasket. Just wanted to stop by and see if there's anything I should know before I do this repair

 

[Electron Man]

Look for tutorials that mention cross-torqueing and/or pattern-torqueing of all the bolts. I'm sure over ~2 - 3 generations, "they've" probably come up with "like" an "epic", "game-changing" definition for the above, but the end result is still the same.

Those attempting any Passat valve cover gasket R&R job without a torque wrench need not apply.

"valuable cover"? - must have auto-complete turned on...

edit: Looks like the Torque spec is 10Nm for the eight cover nuts
From Shop Manual: Tighten inner cover nuts to 10Nm (Step 1);
Tighten cover perimeter nuts (begin with center upper and lower) diagonally in stages (Step 2)
For tightening in stages, I'd tighten all outers to 5Nm first, then to 10Nm using the same
pattern (middle two, upper left, lower right, lower left, upper right)

It'll seem painstaking if you've never done it, but it beats redoing the job in two months because you didn't follow instructions.

:beer:

 

[ylwagon]

You'll need some automotive Silicone sealant for the "corners", where the gasket shape forms the arc at the sprocket end. Those areas are prone to leak eventually, unless sealant is used. Also, it makes sense to change both VCGs at the same time.

If spark plugs are due, now would also be the time.

 

[PZ]

First and foremost, check/clean/replace the PVC system on the car so you will not have it happen again.