Trying to fix a leak on my driver's side valve cover on my 82 but I can't seem to figure out how to get the cover completely off. I am stuck with either the air pipe on the exhaust manifold (I removed the check valve) or a small lip sticking out on the top of the crossfire manifold. Is there some way to solve this puzzle without removing either manifold?

I followed the shop manual to the T with exception of the step "Remove the TBI return line" since it is on the other side of the engine. So I am thinking there is something missing from the shop manual?

 

Can you add some photos,? it'll be easier

 

Brushmor...I'm hearing you...it's a fantastic pain!

You have to remove the check valves, and all the stuff that is in the way..... First valve cover took 8 hours, second took 4.

In comparison, the 69 L-46 was about 8 minutes for BOTH!

Be patient and buy some back liniment! EVEN when you remove all the junk in the way...they BARELY come off! You DEFINATELY don't want to do this TWICE!.
Rubber gaskets ONLY!!!!!!!!

YOU DO NOT NEED TO TOUCH THE MANIFOLD!

Unkahal

 

To make it a little easier when you put them back on, get some studs, it will help to line up the gaskets and keep them in place while you secure them down. Do not over-tighten the nuts.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Two great tips/ advice.
I just replaced both my valve cover gaskets. The driver's side was a little easier than the passenger side. You have to remove what the guys said but NOT the manifold. Make your life easier and get long studs to fit the thicker Felpro rubber gaskets. It took me several hours and a few black and blues to get this done. This was after changing my oil pan gasket on my 82.

 

Thanks for the advice and the tip for the studs. In a way, it's reassuring I'm not the only one to struggle with this. I managed to wiggle the cover a bit to get past the crossfire manifold but then got hung up on the TPS sensor. The TPI's have never been touched so a rebuild is on my list. This might be a good sign that's it's time to do this.

 

BLIVET...an engineering derogatory term for 10 pounds worth of shizzle stuffed into a 5 pound bag!

I've been working on C-3's since 1977...I WAS FLOORED as to how many components I had to remove to get these simple pieces out. Yes TPS and A/C brackets and emission stuff and and and.
One other tip I might give you is the rockers covers are NOT ALUMINUM, they are actually magnesium...lighter than alum. So when you finally get them out and collapse convulsing on the garage floor....paint them....chipped paint on MG is going to end badly....plus it looks like you DID SOMETHING! lol.
Also, because Chevy used the 82 a a pilot for a number of processes and parts, cleaning out the rocker galleys of all the pieces of left-over orange silicone bits took hours with a needle nose forceps. Glue (with ultra-copper RTV) the gaskets to the rocker covers, set them on a really flat table and put some big weights on them overnight. THEN re-install.

There should be a medal with oak-leaf clusters issued for this job!

Next rant from Unkahal is 'replacing the Cruise Control Transducer!' Different medal! hint you need triple jointed wrists and elbows to do it....actually you have to take them apart INSIDE THE FENDER or remove the entire brake booster and M/C assy.....WTF!

Good luck...be precise and patient and mark all the A/C bracket stack-up of washers (take picks before and after.) BE SURE THE A/C goes back in straight and normal to the pulleys.
I marked the TCS six-ways-from sunday as well.
Use nickel never seize on the check valves.

Best of luck!

Unkahal