I can't get the valve covers off my 86 vette. It has the iron heads with the bolts on the outside. My dad said I might have to take the studs out. Is there an easier way, or is taking the studs out even possible?

 

What is preventing the covers from coming off?

 

I can't really see anything that's in the way. On the right side(looking at the engine from the front) The alternator mounting bolt is kinda in the way. I also think the plastic wire covers are getting in the way as well. I was just wondering if it is possible to remove the mounting studs for the valve covers, as that would make it so much easier.

 

Studs? There are 4 bolts that hold each cover on the iron head, an age old design dating back to the 50's, 2 up and 2 down. Remove them and work the covers loose. Its that simple. Sometimes they are sealed on to the heads as some people use silicone sealant instead of an actual gasket.

On my 85, I have the same heads, the passenger side comes off without a hitch, really easy. The driver's side is another story. I take off either the air pump or the wiper motor. That gives me the clearance I need to remove the cover on that side.

I take it this is the first time you are doing valve cover gaskets, correct? I would suggest ditching the original bolts that hold the covers in favor of studs screwed into the heads, you can get them at any speed shop or Corvette Central has them (ARP makes a good set). It makes lining up the new gasket a snap and it secures the covers better to prevent leaks. The regular cork/rubber gaskets from FelPro work fine. If you install the studs in place of the bolts, here's what you do.

After the head surface is cleaned, use some gasket shellac on the surface that the gasket is to contact. Place the gasket directly onto the head, the studs and the shellac will hold it in place. Make sure the surface area of the cover is clean. I use a dremel to clean it up. Run a thin bead of RTV sealant on the surface where the gasket is to seal. About a 1/4 inch wide of sealant is about right, I use the orange sealant and it works fine. Before the RTV gets a skin, install the covers. Its that simple. With the gasket already on the head you don't have to worry about it shifting when you're putting the cover back on, that always happened to me when I mounted the gasket to the cover in the past.

Let us know if you have any questions, all of us have done this job at one time or another.

 

ejscarfo, Those studs that screw into the heads are what's on there right now. You're right, this is my first time doing the gaskets. The driver's side is loose, I just don't have enough clearance to get it off the studs. I thought I was gonna have to remove the air pump, so it looks like this is gonna be a bigger project than I thought.

 

Some 10 years ago right after I bought my iron headed 86 Vette I ran into the same problems.

Knowing that I'd be pulling the covers several times (cam/rocker arm change, etc.) I decided to do what was needed to be able to remove the covers without a lot of clearance issues and aggravation.

So I identified each place where there was interference which prevented removing the covers. Some bolts/bolt heads I simply ground down a bit for the clearance; others I swapped completely, etc.

I wish I could recall all the mods I made, if I could I'd post the list here.

Bottom line; it's definitely do-able. I retained the valve cover studs, had no need to remove the wiper motor, unbolt/loosen the alternator or compressor, etc. to pull the covers and I could pull both covers in only a few minutes - I'm talking 2 or 3 for each side.

Really paid off over time with all the mods I made over time. So if you LOOK CLOSELY, then make the needed changes you'll be good to go from now on.

Jake

 

Take off the pump and move it out the way. The cover should come right off. If you're feeling brave, take the wiper motor cover off as well. If this is your first C4 you will soon learn that to remove one thing usually involves removing of something else.

 

I have an 85 (iron heads) and I pulled the wiper motor. Slides out after that.