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.