SHO_ROLLER
New Member
Well, they've been long over due and now they're finally getting done! Have any tips?
Anthony
Anthony
Changing Valve Cover Gaskets Today!! Tips?
- Thread starter SHO_ROLLER
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
SHOTIME
Giver of life
Remove all of the following.
Intake (including brackets from the heads) Fuel feed and return lines.
Grab a big breaker bar and a buddy and move the heater core hard lines away from the back of the motor (towards the firewall)
Ive even unplugged the wiring harness there in the back a few times to make life alittle easier.
The rear cover is a PITA so take your time and dont ruin the new one putting it back in.
Intake (including brackets from the heads) Fuel feed and return lines.
Grab a big breaker bar and a buddy and move the heater core hard lines away from the back of the motor (towards the firewall)
Ive even unplugged the wiring harness there in the back a few times to make life alittle easier.
The rear cover is a PITA so take your time and dont ruin the new one putting it back in.
F-22 Raptor SHO
New Member
1: use a perfectly fitting allen wrench.....a socket is ok when taking them off, but I use the standard tool when putting them back on as it keeps me from applying too much force to them bolts....like only needs 10 ft/lbs if that. Remember you have 8 of them so they dont need to be that tight.
2: get your wifes/gf's pocket mirro for that rear cover to make sure the gasket is sealing properly.
3: I used a bell tie to hold that wiring harness out of the way when working on the rear cover.
4: Hows about painting the valve covers when they are off.
5: Mind as well get a quick peek at your valve lash while yer in there.
6: If you didint buy new plug well seals, you can apply a thin coat of RTV to your existing seals to keep em from leaking.
7: dont forget to use RTV on the 4 areas near the cams on the passenger side....a finger full at each right angle should do the trick. You will see the factory stuff there when you take the cover off.
8: Check tensioners and such when you are in there...block off the ports with duct tape, cover the return oil passages with a screwdriver just in case you drop anything it doesnt roll into your pan.
2: get your wifes/gf's pocket mirro for that rear cover to make sure the gasket is sealing properly.
3: I used a bell tie to hold that wiring harness out of the way when working on the rear cover.
4: Hows about painting the valve covers when they are off.
5: Mind as well get a quick peek at your valve lash while yer in there.
6: If you didint buy new plug well seals, you can apply a thin coat of RTV to your existing seals to keep em from leaking.
7: dont forget to use RTV on the 4 areas near the cams on the passenger side....a finger full at each right angle should do the trick. You will see the factory stuff there when you take the cover off.
8: Check tensioners and such when you are in there...block off the ports with duct tape, cover the return oil passages with a screwdriver just in case you drop anything it doesnt roll into your pan.
sdpatt
Sr. SHO Engr.
I have e-mailed you my procedure for the details of the upper 60K service. Enjoy.
SHO_ROLLER
New Member
I lost one of the chrome washers that go on the valve cover bolts! It fell into the engine bay and is nowhere to be found! Are they important or can I just buy a look-a-like from the hardware store?
Looks like you dove into the project already. You might want to clean your intake runners and surge tanks while it's off. 10 cans of Berryman's B12 will do the trick.
As far as the washer goes, I wouldn't worry about it. I would post a wanted to buy for another one instead of heading to your hardwear store.
Edit: I would worry about it..especially if it fell into your combustion chamber. I'm assuming a long magnet might help you out in this situation.
As far as the washer goes, I wouldn't worry about it. I would post a wanted to buy for another one instead of heading to your hardwear store.
Edit: I would worry about it..especially if it fell into your combustion chamber. I'm assuming a long magnet might help you out in this situation.
SHO_ROLLER
New Member
Well guys, thanks for all the help! Aside from a few snags (forgot to hook up a vacuum hose and crossed two sparkplug wires 
) all went well. I now have new intake and valve cover gaskets. You should have seen the old ones; hard as a rock! And the previous owner had tried to re-seal them rather than replace them! Lots of cleaning had to be done.
Anthony
) all went well. I now have new intake and valve cover gaskets. You should have seen the old ones; hard as a rock! And the previous owner had tried to re-seal them rather than replace them! Lots of cleaning had to be done.Anthony
Similar threads
