removing valve covers on an 86

[tdr1919]

Guys,
So, I want to replace the leaking valve cover gaskets. Is there any trick to getting these covers off without dis-asessembling the entire engine?

Another question- I saw many of you have painted the covers the color
of the exterior, this paint will standup to the heat of the engine compartment?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Moonunit 451]

If I recall correctly, the Dr side isn't too bad, but the pass side can be nasty. I think you have to remove the tube from the intake to the manifold from the intake side. there is a funky flange connector there that has to be romoved and it's pretty much a "special tool" item to replace. And then there's more pollution junk that's gotta be moved. Could be worse than I remember, I got rid of ALL that crap. It's a PITA. Sorry.

There may be others with better solutions.

 

[rrubel]

Guys,
So, I want to replace the leaking valve cover gaskets. Is there any trick to getting these covers off without dis-asessembling the entire engine?

easy things first... I think a lot of people powder-coated their valve covers rather than painted them. Holds up better. If you have center-bolt covers (late 86) and a red exterior, then I have a set that I'll sell you cheap. They're not factory covers, but look good.

Now, to the difficult question. This, if I remember correctly, is how I removed my valve covers.

1. Loosen the pulley from the AIR pump on driver's side.
2. Take off accessory serpentine belt and remove the pulley. Then remove the long bolt that holds the AIR pump in place and goes through to where the valve cover is on the driver's side.
3. On driver's side, remove the spark plug wires (to get them out of the way, loosen the four bolts/nuts holding the cover, remove the PCV valve. You should now be able to pry/lift the cover out of the car.
4. On the passenger side, remove the breather tube from the valve cover. Remove the EGR pipe (the metal tube that crosses over the valve cover from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold). You may be able to get by with just disconnecting it at the exhaust. Be forewarned, as Moonunit said, this is a bear to put back. Most people use a hose clamp instead of the factory clamp, which is easier.
5. Now remove the passenger valve cover.
6. Installation is reverse of removal

I personally like FEL-PRO's blue Perma-torque gaskets. They do not leak for anything when tightened right.

Also, if you have perimeter-bolt covers (iron heads), be aware that the bolts/studs/nuts get tightened to 20 INCH-LBS!!!! Too much tighter and you'll break a stud or crack a cover. Don't ask me how I know...
[RICHR]

 

[Moonunit 451]

Time heals, memories fade, and alcohol numbs, all I can remember was it was a BIOTCH, ecspecially the first time :L I had perimeter bolt.

 

[tdr1919]

Time heals, memories fade, and alcohol numbs, all I can remember was it was a BIOTCH, ecspecially the first time :L I had perimeter bolt.

Yeah, Moonunit, it has the perimeter bolt.

What do you guys do to dress up the mounting brackets and such,
everything in the engine compartment is either dull or corroded,
I'd like to clean all this up while I have every thing apart.

Tom

 

[Hrtbeat1]

What do you guys do to dress up the mounting brackets and such, everything in the engine compartment is either dull or corroded,
I'd like to clean all this up while I have every thing apart.

Tom

Castrol Super Clean does a real good job of cleaning the grease and grime off those parts. Spray it on, let it sit a while, then hose it off (preferablly high pressure.) One bit of warning if you have any polished pieces don't get the Super Clean any where near them ... Trust me, I about ruined my Moroso polished valve covers. :ugh Nasty stains leftover. They have come most of the way out using Never Dull (impregnated cotton polishing wad) and a LOT of elbow grease.

I found something else kinda by mistake. I was replacing the rubber bushings in the rear with poly ones, and after getting the rubber bushing out I went to clean the sleeve, used a little Remington Wonder Lube. After I got the sleeve all cleaned I was wiping the trailing arm down with a rag and guess what ... it was getting really clean. I went back and used a brass brush and the Wonder Lube now the trailing arms are nice and shiney. I'm going to go and do all the brackets, A- arms, spindle knuckles, half shafts, ect. There is a lot of alumnium on these cars and once shined up they really look nice.

 

[Moonunit 451]

A wire brush on a bench grinder works well on the bolt on parts while they are off, and you can get the small crevices with a dremel.

Hrtbeat, hmm I wonder if that's what happened to my Morroso's :ugh I've cut and buffed, and buffed, can't get them to restore for any length of time :cry

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Hrtbeat, hmm I wonder if that's what happened to my Morroso's :ugh I've cut and buffed, and buffed, can't get them to restore for any length of time :cry

Does it look like hard water stains? If so that may be your culprit. Like I said I think these are about ruined ... the shine will only last about a week ... then its back to the Never Dull.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Yup, same kinda deal, I just ignore it on miss "all go, no show" anymore I tried.

 

[Edmond]

Is this for cast iron or aluminum heads? Do they use the same procedure. I'll be removing the valve covers on my '88 later this year for some maintenance and work.

 

[tdr1919]

I have cast iron perimeter bolts, but for the life of me I cannot get to the bolt on the rear of the left side head for the(wire bracket & vacuum hose), I cant even see or feel what size head is the bolt. I jacked the car up, looked from underneath, tried jamming my hand down from the top, It is driving me crazy!
Tom

 

[rrubel]

I don't think you need to remove that one...

Oh, Edmund, the procedures are the same except the torque spec is different for the centerbolt covers (plus they're a pain to line up the bolts). I don't have my book handy to look up the spec, though.

[RICHR]

 

[tdr1919]

I don't think you need to remove that one...

You are right, I gently (with the handle of my hammer) bent it back out of the
way and was able to get the cover off.