Problem getting front valve cover out

[Liquid_force]

What am I missing?

I can't get enough slack in the wiring harness to allow the valve cover - specifically the oil fill neck - to come off the engine.

I spent a while trying to get the wire clips off the A/C which I think is the easiest place to gain some slack.

I'm sure its not as hard as I'm making it.

Suggestions?

 

[St Louis SHO]

unclip the oxygen sensor wiring from near the ac compressor

 

[Liquid_force]

I got one clip undone, but it didn't help much.
I gave up for the night. I hate working on the same stupid thing for a half hour and accomplishing nothing.
There are 2 other connectors I've been working on but the lack of space down there is killing me.

 

[luigisho]

You'll figure out how to maneuver it out of there. You need to make sure there isn't a fastener still in there holding it on. Do I see the sparkplugs still in there?

 

[Liquid_force]

Took another look on my way out the door this morning.

The one connector I got off was the O sensor.
It's the two on the a/c that are keeping it tight.

Yes, the plugs are still in. No reason to remove them yet. It would just let debris fall in the plug holes that doesn't need to. I may stick the coils back in now that I think of it.
The VC is free. I've had it about 1/2 way out, but there's just not enough room for it to come out from under that wire bundle.

Even if I could maneuver it out the way it is I'd never get it back in w/o roughing up the gasket.

I'm sure I'll get things free eventually.

This is as much a vent as a request for help, but I do appreciate the suggestions.

 

[Liquid_force]

I did finally get them out.
That connector I thought was the o2 sensor wasn't. I think it was the pressure switch for the a/c.

It wasn't easy. I think the various valve cover write ups should emphasize the vc's will take a LOT of maneuvering to get out, and from what I could tell will basically REQUIRE the wiring on the front of the a/c to be loosened and/or disconnected which is a very tight spot to work in.

The surge tank bolts which a lot of people seem to think are quite a pain were really no trouble at all.

Nowhere did I read the surge tank would be stuck to the valve cover with foam -- that was kinda weird.

Anyway - on to the next step. Educating the welder.

 

[St Louis SHO]

unclip the oxygen sensor wiring from near the ac compressor

Funny how that works...

 

[luigisho]

The foam doesn't stick them together. It keeps tank from contacting the other metal too much.

 

[Liquid_force]

what's up with these score marks near the cams?
I don't see any signs of rotation, but...

 

[LJRuddy]

If i remember correctly, those were on my 98 parts car as well.

 

[AREA 91]

Please post pic's after the weld job.
:wave: