Valve cover gasket
 

I want to take the valve cover off on one side of my 116 to check the timing chain -do I need to re-new the cover gasket or cam i just get away with keeping the current one?

If the gasket isn't hard, you should be able to reuse it.

gasket
 

if the gasket leaks after you replace it you could lose the motor.at less than 10 dollars it would seem to be a no brainer. david poole european performance dallas tx

I've re-used the valve cover gaskets on my m117 so many times with no leaks - if I bought a new one each time I'd be broke.

Make sure to check the rails on BOTH sides of the engine. If they are deep-colored (darker than caramel), replace them.