im trying 2 take off my valve covers with out taking off the plentem. i saw a topic on here where its do able. but..do 3.1s have studs instead of bolts? because i would HAVE to take em off if i had studs right? just wondering if anyone has had any experence with this stuff

 

yes, typically there are studs from the factory. you can try to get them out if you want then put regular bolts back in.

 

Its not doable...take off the plenum and runners, and then take off the valve covers. Yeah, its a PITA, but with a stock intake thats how it is.

 

yeah....i didnt think i could. i was at work when i thought about the studs. i looked at it afterwards and i saw the studs..kinda sucks..i need 2 adjust my valves. one of em is ticking...but...i dont think all that work and money for gaskets are worth it. the ticking valve wont hurt much, will it?

 

To do your valve cover gaskets, remove the upper and lower intake plenums, and the fuel rail with the injectors. Its the only way to do this job. Also reuse the factory valve cover studs, nuts, and load spreaders. They are superior to ordinary bolts. In fact GM added these parts to the V6 F-bodies in 1986, along with a composite cork gasket to stop valve cover leaks.

 

Depends on how bad its ticking, and why...is it due to misadjustment, loosening nut, cam lobe going flat?? If its the latter, tightening it won't do any good.

 

...collapsed lifter...