Valve cover gaskets

[Corby]

Hey guys... I'm changing my valve cover gaskets, plugs and wires and was wondering if I need to take off the whole intake manifold or if there is another way to get in there?? Also if I do need to take off the manifold is a gasket needed to replace on the intake manifold also? Is there a website or anything that explains how to do this? Thanks in advance.

 

[excidere]

Yes the intake has to be removed to do a topside 60k.... http://www.shophoenixproject.com/upper60k/upper60k.htm Has a damn good write up for the procedure....

 

[dpsutphin]

You might be able to do the front one without removing the manifold by just moving it around a bit, but it will be almost impossible to get the back one off without removing it.

The Shophoneix project web site has complete instructions, including pictures that makes it easy to know what to do. But like everything else, it ain't easy to do, especially if you haven't done it before.

Be careful when you replace the bolts on the covers. They will break if you try to use a torque wrench as is suggested, unless you have a very accurate wrench. Just tigheten them snug, then about 1/8 turn more, and you should be fine.

Good luck.

 

[Corby]

Well thanks guys.... I got it done, but my friend who was working on it was just tightening up the last one of the bolts and it broke. I have one bolt missing.... Is it okay to drive around like this? Can I pick one up from a ford dealership?

 

[dpsutphin]

You can get one at a Ford dealership, if they have one in stock for $25. That's right, $25 per bolt.

Several people on here have some laying around they will sell you a lot cheaper. Just went through that myself. If the one that broke is in the front bank, it isn't any great big deal to drill out and replace, but if it is in the rear, it can be a real pain to get out. Save yourself a lot of trouble and use a left handed drill bit to drill it out.

You can drive like that, as long as there are no leaks. Only way to know is to try it and see.

If you want a bolt, pm me, and I will put you in touch with people who have some to sell.

 

[Minnesho]

I have many extra bolts lying around.

 

[Corby]

Thank god.... It's in the front, nothing leaks out... but i don't want anything going in. I found them on ebay but I don't have paypal yet... I'm trying to get one set up... as for the Ford dealership he said they discontinued them and to call somebody else.

 

[dpsutphin]

There is a Ford dealer in San Antonio that has a whole bunch of them in stock. When they told me $25 per bolt, I of course told them they would rust on their shelves before anyone would pay that much for a bolt.

In typical Ford dealer fashion, they said they were already a bit rusty...lol.

 

[yamahaSHO]

Be careful when you replace the bolts on the covers. They may break if you try to use a torque wrench as is suggested, unless you have a very accurate wrench. Just tigheten them snug, then about 1/8 turn more, and you should be fine.

Sorry, had to fix it

 

[dpsutphin]

You are right of course. I should have used the word may or might. Guess I was still a bit frustrated from my fight with a broken bolt because of an inaccurate wrench. And mine was in the back and therefore a lot more trouble.