Valve Cover removal/installation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Valve Cover removal/installation
I removed the valve covers on my 84 and am ready to put them back on.
I was looking for the best suggestions/ideas on how to remove the old gasket sealer.
Lots of sealer on the heads.
Thanks!
I was looking for the best suggestions/ideas on how to remove the old gasket sealer.
Lots of sealer on the heads.
Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Nashua NH
Scrape off what you can, go to Walmart or home Depot and buy yourself an angle die grinder and some cookie pads. You'll need to rent/borrow an air compressor, but thats the best/easiest way to remove that stuff
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
I took my valve covers off because there was a horrible leak. After taking off and putting one back on, I noticed the lower bolts were too short to tighten because of the 3/16 inch gasket installed. The hanes book sounds like the gasket is optional. Should I remove the gasket and just use sealer?
Opinions and experience welcome.
Note: 84 crossfire injection
Opinions and experience welcome.
Note: 84 crossfire injection
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 377
Likes: 10
From: Chicago IL
having replaced mine on my 85 a few times, i would spend the extra cash and use felpro permaseal gaskets.. these are rubber based with a metal middle piece. i must admit that removing and installing these things is a pita. there is a tech tip on this for the 85. i removed the cover to the windshield wiper motor assembly for clearance on one side and I think i had to play with the brake booster vacuum line on the other side. you can purchase slightly longer bolts at a decent hardware store. i cleaned the factory orange sealant stuff the best i could and wiped down with solvent. the seal has been good for a few years. make sure you torque down evenly and according to spec
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
I took my valve covers off because there was a horrible leak. After taking off and putting one back on, I noticed the lower bolts were too short to tighten because of the 3/16 inch gasket installed. The hanes book sounds like the gasket is optional. Should I remove the gasket and just use sealer?
Opinions and experience welcome.
Note: 84 crossfire injection
Opinions and experience welcome.
Note: 84 crossfire injection
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
The 84 heads are iron heads.
The bolts were not long enough with Mr. Gasket $9.99 cork gaskets.
I was able to tighten down one side with the two top bolts and use the opposite side's top bolts to tighten down the bottom two.
Tomorrow I will either take the gasket off and just use sealant or go buy longer bolts.
The bolts were not long enough with Mr. Gasket $9.99 cork gaskets.
I was able to tighten down one side with the two top bolts and use the opposite side's top bolts to tighten down the bottom two.
Tomorrow I will either take the gasket off and just use sealant or go buy longer bolts.
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Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wisconsin
The fel pro rubber gaskets are the best had them on and off a couple of times. Didn' have no sealer mess. Auto zone sells a heavey spreader chrome. They spread the pressure on the cover. I have this on my 86 and no leaks.
