this is gonna be a big "get up and just fix it" weekend. #1 is replacing my valve cover gaskets with the rubber felpro ones...any secrets, tips?? don't forget, the 85 has the side bolt covers, and it seems like the ones closer to the center of the engine seemto be covered. this thing needs to be done by sunday night...so any help will be appreciated :seeya :chevy


[Modified by Mr Mojo, 11:02 PM 1/21/2004]

 

Its gonning to be a job.On my 84 i remove the alt on the left side and on the right side i have to remove a few of the A.C.parts,conections at rear of compressor.Its been a while. My F.I.setup is alot differant than yours as you know.As far as the bolts on the inside of the covers they should be easy to get to,JEFF

 

Not as hard as you may think.

You do have to take off the alternator and air pump on the drivers side.

the wires close to the plenum unbolt and will move out of the way.

I was able to take passenger side off without touching the air conditioning.

 

I just did the same job on a friends 85. we did a complete tune up and refinished the the valve covers and new felpro gaskets in a weekend. I was able to get the drivers side cover off without taking the alternator or any other major components off. I took the black plastic cover off the windshield wiper motor. i think it has three or four screws holding it on. with it off and a little manuvering i was able to clear everything and get it out. I did this a month ago so i know it works. I hope this is of some help. the passenger side is easier to get out and pretty straighy forward you shouldn't have problems with it. :chevy

 

This is one job on a vette that looks like it is easy but can be a PITA. Good thing you posted.
On My 86, I was able to get off by removing the Belt and then the air pump pulley (easy) that allowed me to get at a lower mount bolt on the air pump that sticks out and grabs the V cover so you can't get it out. All you need to do is back it out just enough to clear. That way you don't need to remove the wiper motor cover which I tried to do but found some of those screws a bear to get at. One other tip is to remove the studs that the v cover nuts attach to. To do that you need a tork socket of the right size, but it get you a lot of freedom to move the valve cover.
Now for the hard part:
Passenger side requires disconnecting the EGR tube that goes over the valve cover. there is a crimp ring on the joint down next to where it attaches to the manifold. You can spread it open and then the EGR tube can be easily bent out of the way. After removing the valve cover nuts and studs , it should clear . BTW the plastic harness cover for the Fuel injector wires will need to be un bolted to gain access to the inner Valve cover nuts and studs on both sides.

Now the worst part: getting that @#$@%$ Egr Tube back on the manifold. You can get a new crimp ring from GM or Ecklers But you won't find it at parts store.
I found a way to reuse mine. I did not have a tool to recrimp it , so I ground off the tabs and fitted a SS hose clamp over the crimp ring and tighened it firmly. So far it has held up well. :cheers:

 

The 85 does not have the EGR tube over the valve cover on the passenger side.

 

one thing i found this weekend was that the rubber felpro gaskets are thicker.
That means that to get enough thread engagement you really should get some bolts that are about 1/4 inch longer. it's a real bear to get the left side cover off with the air bracket & alternator in place, so i took mine off to do the job. it just might be easier to remove the wiper motor though as you only need two bolts off two plugs and disconect the linkage.

 

Orlando - sent you an email. I'm in Sanford and will be doing Vette work this weekend as well. I can give you some help if you need.

 

Dude, you need to shorten your picture link, it's too wide.

You can do it like this:

[ URL=www.the picture link.com]click here[/ URL] that way what ever words you put where I've put "click here" will show instead of the entire 3 mile long link. Thanks.

 

Here's an old racer's trick: glue the new gaskets onto the valve cover with 3M weatherstrip adhesive (aka gorilla snot). Place the valve cover on a flat surface, gasket side down, and let the adhesive cure. Now, you can remove/replace your valve covers 100 times without misaligning the gaskets or worying about leaks.

I've done this to every hotrod I've owned, and it works great.