M104 valve cover gasket
 

Ok, changed the timing cover gasket but have big leak from the valve cover in rear of the cover. I know there must be some sort of trick to getting the gasket to seal properly.

Any ideas?? How can I get the cover to seal when I can't see behind the cover to make sure the seal is in the right spot??

Help please!!

Two of the handiest tools i've ever had are...

1. small mirror on a telescoping rod (actually have a few different ones)

2. penlight style flashlight with the head on a flexible gooseneck.

Those give me eyes where my head doesn't fit.

Tried that but the insulation is in the way. Can't really see all that well.

Anything else?

Not sure about your M103 but
 

most Benz valve/cam cover bolts need to be torqued to ensure even sealing of the gasket surfaces. To do otherwise or to overtighten will invariably cause a leak.

On my M117 engine the torque value is very low, specified to 3 to 4 Nm. Check your cover torque spec and use the torque wrench to achieve it. You may have to get a 1/4" drive beam-type torque wrench to get it in the center of the range where accuracy is best.

Did that. Tork was at 10NM.

I am actually talking about the alignment of the cover onto the back of head.

Bump.

Norm, as I recall there are 2 half-moon shaped sections at the rear of the valve cover gasket that need to be aligned properly to ensure a tight seal. Do whatever it takes to "see" back there to ensure the gasket is aligned properly. I use a mirror and a flashlight, but whatever works for you. You might try installing the gasket on the valve cover and then setting the valve cover in place atop the head. Torquing the bolts to the proper value means nothing if the gasket is misaligned, leaving gaping holes.

Thanks, Fredman I got it.