You'll have to either notch the A/C bracket (not really recommended but, will work) or remove the A/C bracket.
Valve cover help needed....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Valve cover help needed....
I'm trying to remove the R/H valve cover on my 89 Vette and just can' t seem to get it off, what is the secret?? 
I decided to take it off while I was waiting for injectors to come from FIC to come in to paint it, and make it easier to re-install the runners. It seems to hit the A/C bracket no matter how I try to turn or twist the valve cover, is there some secret to it's removal?? 
I've gone as far as removing the compressor from the bracket, thinking "that little bit of room" will make a difference...NOT!! The biggest bummer is that I can get it about 3/4 of the way off, then it locks and will not move up any further. 
I'd appreciate any help or suggestions to getting this thing off....
I decided to take it off while I was waiting for injectors to come from FIC to come in to paint it, and make it easier to re-install the runners. It seems to hit the A/C bracket no matter how I try to turn or twist the valve cover, is there some secret to it's removal?? I've gone as far as removing the compressor from the bracket, thinking "that little bit of room" will make a difference...NOT!! The biggest bummer is that I can get it about 3/4 of the way off, then it locks and will not move up any further. I'd appreciate any help or suggestions to getting this thing off....
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 14
From: Stafford Connecticut
Did you move the egr tube out of the way?I just did my valve cover gaskets on my 86.On the drivers side you have to remove the windshield wiper motor or air pump.My passenger side came off after removing egr tube.On my 85 I hade to remove the air conditioner pump and tweak the hard line hoses a bit.You may have to remove or tweak the AC bracket also.
Last edited by steven mack; Mar 28, 2009 at 03:23 PM. Reason: add info
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 898
Likes: 1
From: Pearland Texas
If you have removed the AC compressor, take the next step and loosen the compressor bracket. Back the bolts far enough out to make room to remove the VC. What I did (which no one will recommend) I cut a notch in the AC bracket to allow for easy removal of the VC. Haven't had any problems with strength. Once everything is back on you don't even see it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
I have thought of notching the A/C bracket, and actually began to gather my die grinder and bits, but low and behold the bits seem to be lost (must have put them in a really "safe" place) so I just stopped for the day.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Its strange but it seems like every year vette is different when it comes to taking off the valve covers. I believe its because the compressors are different, but I have a 89 an I can tell you the ac bracket does have to be at least lossened to get the cover off...WW
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Objective achieved !
I did loosen the A/C bracket just about 1/16" and the cover finally "slipped" off. I later used my air powered die grinder to grind the bracket for additional clearance, so maybe next time
I will not run into many issues.
Thanks all for your help and suggestions.
I did loosen the A/C bracket just about 1/16" and the cover finally "slipped" off. I later used my air powered die grinder to grind the bracket for additional clearance, so maybe next time
I will not run into many issues. Thanks all for your help and suggestions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
What gaskets did you go with? Part number?
I plan on doing this and repainting the valve covers. What should I look for in the valve area after I have the covers removed? I know to look for crud build up in the drain holes. Would it be easy to tell if say a spring is broke, or something else is wacky?
I had thought of replacing the valve seals, but that looks like a little more involved than what I can do. Plus, I have no air compressor to hold the valves up.
I plan on doing this and repainting the valve covers. What should I look for in the valve area after I have the covers removed? I know to look for crud build up in the drain holes. Would it be easy to tell if say a spring is broke, or something else is wacky?
I had thought of replacing the valve seals, but that looks like a little more involved than what I can do. Plus, I have no air compressor to hold the valves up.
Last edited by samsonb; Mar 31, 2009 at 02:46 AM.