need to replace the valve cover gaskets! what a f.....ng job!!~anybody have any wisdome out there that they can impart to me? i have the CFI '83 motor...of course, the most difficult one to do this to. i guess i need to disconnect everything.....can i do this without moving the AIR tubes? help!!!she's leakin'

 

You shouldn't have to dissconnect anything other than the stuff that is plugged into the valve covers. Just remove the bolts and tap it off (pry lightly if you have to) and scrape off the old and plly the new. Your AIR and heater valve and stuff are just in the way but are not connected to the valve cover itself.

 

thanks shifty, but i do have a wireharness issue on the passenger side...it rides right on top of the valve cover....seems like it would be easy, but jeez...it's tight!!! i got the cover loose, but i found the heater hoses blocked one side....i'll have to set aside a whole day for this! stan

 

Its not that bad once youve had to remove them a few times. As for the harness, push it aside when your removing and installing the covers. Heater hose may or may not have to come off as well so drain the rad. a little bit if you do have to remove it. Also use several dabs of superglue around each new gasket to hold it in place while your installing the covers so they stay put.

 

Just push that stuff up and out of the way. No big deal. Remove the cover, and let the junk fall back down on the rockers. Repeat when re-installing the covers.

-Tom

 

Wow, thats like one of the easiest things ever. Just take the valve covers off, buy some rtv. Clean the valve covers real good and load the edges with rtv so the gasket sticks and sits in them, then just tighten them down.

 

I had to remove my pump tubes get mine off, pita

 

thanks for all the support guys! i just have to bite the bullet and do it..i'm using the steel/rubber laminate gasket....i only want to do this once!!!

 

Dont use gaskets... use a thick bead of silicone on the flange, set it on the head, put the bolts in about finger tight. Leave for an hour or two, then tighten them up. No leaks!

 

Ive had good luck with the felpro rubberized ones. I installed them dry and was sure to carefully retorque them to spec after a week or so. Unlike the newer neoprine gaskets for center bolt valve covers the old style ones will press down after awhile.

One thing is for sure, you dont want to over-torque the bolts. Itll distort the valve covers and itll leak like its nobodies buisness. Also make sure the VC flanges are straight and true before you reinstall them. Lastly, make sure all surfaces are clean and free of any sort of gunk.