I-5 Valve cover gaskets (rubber w/washers)

[Larry C Leung]

Anyone noticed whether or not the quality of these has deteriorated over
the years?

Mine is about 18 months old, changed it today due to the scum that formed
on the intake manifold (i.e. it was weeping).

The gasket was split many places within the gasket, and while removing
the gasket, many of the washers ended up
coming out of the gasket. No wonder it leaked, and no wonder I have
vacuum leaks!

My last gasket lasted much longer (maybe 2 - 2.5 years) and I don't over
torque them.

Is this possibly due to the recent (about 1 year) chipping to 1.8 bar?

LL - NY '89 200Q, 1.8 bar, H+R/Bilsteins, A4 16 5 spoke/Kuhmo 712's