Suzuki Forenza-Reno Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

I'm replacing the valve cover and gasket on a 2004 Suzuki Forenza. The weather was cold (20 degrees F) and it took a long time for the RTV sealant to cure before I torqued down the bolts and started the engine. But all went well in the end.

For this project, I used Permatex RTV Ultra-Black for the sealant and a Felpro gasket (part # VS50692R) for the valve cover. Both are excellent products.

The same valve cover gasket design is used for all Suzuki Forenza's and Reno's, 2004 through 2008. However, the valve cover itself has a slightly different design in 2004-2005 than it did in 2007-2008. So be wary of that if you intend to replace the cover along with the gasket. Also, the 2005 Suzuki Reno uses the same valve cover design as the 2004-2005 Forenza. (Double check this information for yourself before you purchase your parts and supplies for this project.)

Here's some additional information you might find useful:

1. The spark plug cover requires a 3/16" Allen wrench for removal.
2. 71 in/lbs torque on the valve cover bolts.
3. Google the Suzuki technical service bulletin "TS 15 04067" for the updated valve cover gasket replacement procedure.

In this video I didn't see any use for the spark plug tube seals that came with the Felpro gasket set (part # VS50692R). Felpro makes the set for two different Suzuki models, a Daewoo Nubira and Leganza (1999-2002) models. Maybe the tube seals fit one these other models, because I can't see any use for them on the Forenza in this video. Nor is anybody else on YouTube putting them to use, as far as I can see.

[jorgejimenez]

I have an 05 forenza and everything is good as far as road worthy and maintenance. and it hasnt given me any major issues since i purchased it 3 years ago. and i also reolaced the timing belt and components, that includes the water pump. dont give up on it make it worth your while. :)

[guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

The best part of this great video was at 11:41 where the gentleman mentioned the Technical bulletin from Suzuki on how to use an RTV that's oil resistant like permantex ultra black and apply it to the cylinder head only after cleaning with a razor blade and degreasing the cylinder head surface with something like brake cleaner and also to wait a couple hours if it's normal temperatures to let the permatex cure after you've hand tightened it down, if it's real cold outside he suggests waiting overnight to let it cure and then torque it down to 71 inch lbs, the torque value

[anthonyfranklin]

Thanks man love how you take your time to break it down go slowly for the laymen truly made my job so much easier thank you again.
Ps love the pipe

[MichaelHernandez]

Dude you are the BEST! couldn't have changed my neighbors leaky gasket without this. Thank you Thank you Thank you! keep the rare videos coming.

[sergeylukin]

Thank you for this video! And the Technical Bulletin -- had no idea that was out there. Gonna try this on a 2008 Suzuki Forenza, though the valve cover looks a bit different.

[guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

same valve cover as my 2000 daewoo nubira, I am going to try the ultra black rtv on the cylinder side like in the video as I get oil in my spark plug wells too often, thanks for a great video! Now I know where the 10 smaller o rings go and I don't think I need the 4 larger o rings either as my spark plug area is also surrounded by the gasket

[killerdaddy]

Grease it a better option than silicone to hold o rings in place, less chance of leaks or contamination

[benjaminsantibanez]

great video! this is my second time replacing my valve cover and i forgot how to do it since it has been long from the last time i replaced it on my forenza.
looking forward some more forenza videos!!
ps: i knew it was kansas when i saw that junkyard lol

[tjmexbc]

hello thank you very much for your video it helps a lot, but I have a question where the other 4 big rings go thank you very much

[wolfpak]

I bought a used 2005 Forenza with only 87, 000 miles from a used car dealer 28 days ago and it's been in the shop ever since. The CarFax looks great - all the regular maintenance was done, original owner drove it for 10 years, next owner for 2. Since I bought it I have replaced the catalytic converter, a split hose, new tires and replaced the timing belt just to be sure. Finally got it back yesterday and it broke down on the freeway 40 miles from home spewing coolant everywhere. Now it's sitting in the parking lot at Pep Boys. I've noticed that you've spent alot of time tinkering on a 2004 Forenza. This one has that rough idle that you posted about too. Would you say that it's worth it to continue spending money on this car? With a few more replairs will I ever have a road worthy car? I don't really have any options...I guess I'm just looking for an encouraging word. :/

[CEREBRO]

Very good video. Thanks for sharing, I have a Tacuma Daewoo 2002 2.0, the engine is very similar to the Forenza. you only need to know the torque sequence of the screws. Thanks

[tjmexbc]

the gasket has silicone in both sides? how about the 4 rings? where they go thank you for your help

[jerm]

So how did the valve cover workout when you put the silicone for the whole gasket I have the same leaking issues on mine and I'm using a Fel-Pro gasket but I only would put silicone RTV on certain sections but how did it work out when you put it on the entire gasket

[MiguelAlvarezAdams]

I did this job right now at home with my son in law😎💪thanks!

[oldgreen]

Mine had the O-rings on around the spark plugs as well as the gasket.
It was like that when i took it off.

[CobraNOY]

Completely same as my Chevrolet Optra 1.8... What a surprise...hurmm...

[guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

I have a 2000 daewoo nubira which has the same engine and I need to replace the plastic coolant pipe underneath the intake manifold I wonder if you have any advice pictures of video of a removing the intake manifold to access that pipe thank you

[romersanchez]

Orale q paso con los 4 orinres q tenia q cambiar donde tenia la fuga de aceite hacia las bujias a q hora c los cambio porque yo no los vi

[banqueteandoando]

Can this failure, causes an excessive fuel consumption?

[Ahora_NoticiasRD]

saludos necesito saber para que silven los cuatro rines grandes.