Valve cover removal
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Valve cover removal
I'm a new owner of an 86 red coupe. Ive been reading the forum since I got the vette and it has been the best source for info. Currently, I'm replacing valve seals and I have finished the driver side. I am having trouble figuring out the best way to remove the valve cover from the passenger side because of the EGR pipe. The Chevy shop manual says to remove the exhaust manifold but I really don't want to do that if I can avoid it. Can anyone suggest and easier way? thanks
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Fordyce AR
Re: Valve cover removal (65Z01)
THANKS 65ZO1 :hurray: that is the type of information a lot of us are looking for. There are a lot of people on this forum with a wealth of knowledge, your answers are appreciated. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Re: Valve cover removal (dwestsr)
Thanks for the replies. I know the EGR tube has to come off , but can it be removed without removing the exhaust manifold?
[Modified by dwestsr, 5:19 PM 9/17/2003]
[Modified by dwestsr, 5:19 PM 9/17/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Valve cover removal (dwestsr)
On my '88 it's necessary to remove the EGR tube which is held to the intake base by two bolts and to the right exhaust header by two bolts. Which means I can remove the EGR tube without removing the exhaust header.
But I can't find a clear diagram of the right side header in my '85 GM Shop manual, nor does the disassembly instructions mention removal of the EGR pipe to remove the right bank valve cover.
So, unless someone else with a pre-'88 C4 comes with the answer, you'll have to figure it out as needed.
Good luck with the R&R.
But I can't find a clear diagram of the right side header in my '85 GM Shop manual, nor does the disassembly instructions mention removal of the EGR pipe to remove the right bank valve cover.
So, unless someone else with a pre-'88 C4 comes with the answer, you'll have to figure it out as needed.
Good luck with the R&R.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Re: Valve cover removal (jmrl98)
I agree about the cussin part. I sure did plenty on the driver's side. The good news is that now my vette smokes only half as bad as it did before i fixed the driver side valve seals. I guess I'll tackle the passenger side now. Thanks for the input! :thumbs:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
Re: Valve cover removal (dwestsr)
Do you have alluminum heads? This would be the case on a late 86 or any 86 ragtop.My 86 (gone) and now my 87 have a collar that is crimped around the egr tube to keep it in place. Two button heads hold it at the top end.A long skinny screw driver will pry it open (the crimp part)enough to move around .You dont really need to take it all the way off.This will give you room to get the cover off. I think the pcv hose & tube and maybe an AIR hose will need to come off. Move the injector wires & pry back the plug wire holder,squeeze it out. Going back together linemans pliers will crimp the ring back . Smash it tight. Iron heads??? Someone on the forum will help. :chevy
