I have a 97 A4 with the 2.8 SOHC engine.

The cam cover gaskets are leaking (especially at the rear of each head) and I want to replace the gaskets.

I have a few questions.

1. Are the covers made of some kind of plastic? They don't sound like metal when you tap on them.

2. The cam cover bolts are hex head bolts. I tried a standard 3/8 socket with a hex driver (5mm I believe) and one or two of the hex bolts could be backed off. I also encountered a couple that were very tight. I did not want to break the hex driver so I quit with the 3/8 drive and tried a standard 5mm hex wrench. I used the long end in the hex bolt and turned it with a pair of locking plyers. I could not break the hex bold free. These attempts were made with the engine warm, but not hot.

I don't want to damage the hex bolts.

With a cold engine; could the areas around the hex bolts be heated with a torch? But if the covers are plastic they could be damaged.

I don't want to snap a hex bolt in the head and have to get into more extensive repair.

Any pointers would be appreciated.