Valve Cover removal

[jss06c6]

Gents,

If I'm removing the plenum and injector housings for porting, can I get the valve covers off for refinishing without removing the engine? I know the passenger side is a PITA with the AC Evaporator in the way, but if I can get the bolts out, will the valve cover rotate toward the center of the engine valley for removal?

I want to powder coat the valve covers, injector housings, plenum, throttle body, coolant pipes and air horn when I pull the top end down..

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[Mystic ZR-1]

To remove cam covers:
You'll have to move the brake master cylinder and booster (no big deal)
Also the removable panel on the heater ducting on the passenger side.
Get a NEW torx bit and a hand/hammer powered impact to break the bolts loose. Clean out the "bolt heads" to get a good bite.
No need to remove engine. Take your time...

[Ccmano]

I’ve done it both ways now. It can be done.

The passenger side is easy. There is a cover at the corner of the evaporator housing. Unplug the connector there and remove the four or so screws holding it on. Allows for full access to that side.

As was said the brake booster has to be moved to get in there as does the power steering pump. Make sure you clean out each of the torx head bolts. You have to be absolutely sure to get the new torx bit completely in the bolt head and square to the bolt. Give the impact driver a good rap with a relatively heavy hammer. When you go to remove each bolt use slow steady even pressure on the wrench. Don’t be surprised if you strip out a bolt head. The metal is very soft. If that happens just drill out the head. I’ll send you as many OEM bolts as you need if you strip any. After you lift off the cover the remaining bolt shank should just unscrew with a vice grip. (Unlike that one I had on the current engine). Remember the cover is basically glued on. Do not wedge a screw driver in just anywhere to pop the cover off. There is a indentation in the upper back corners. That is the only spot to wedge the cover off, even then very carefully. You don’t want to marr the sealing surfaces. When cleaning the cover and head surfaces of the old sealant do not use a gasket scraper. Toluene solvent works well. I use a hand held razor blade.

I just put my refinished covers back on today for the engine install tomorrow.
Good luck, you won’t need it.
H

http://a64.tinypic.com/vpdf06.jpg

[jss06c6]

Thanks guys! Spent some time looking closely at the "stuff" in the way. Figured most of it out except the brake booster.. didn't see that coming..

I'll take my time on the bolts. I learned a trick that works with tough bolts.. hit them with some freeze spray and they almost always break free..

Hans, your cam covers look great!!

FYI, I did a little port matching with the plenum and injector housings tonight. No die grinder work yet, just scribing them. They were considerably offset (plenum to injector housings ports). I'm amazed at the variance in these early castings and can see how porting can really wake the engine up!

Steve

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[jss06c6]

R 134a conversion, porting, powder coating and new tune... Under way![ATTACH]

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[jss06c6]

Alternator pulley not straight. Looks like it was pressed on crooked or defective from factory. Will be pulling it and repairing so that the belt alignment is true..[ATTACH]

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[tommy]

Hey Guys, tell me pls what sealants for valve covers do you use?

[Ccmano]

GM spec is Permabond A136, today only sold by Jerry’s

http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/permabond-a136-cam-cover-sealant-13b4/

Prior to Jerry making this available Locitite 518 was also used with success.

H
:cheers:

[tommy]

GM spec is Permabond A136, today only sold by Jerry’s

http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/permabond-a136-cam-cover-sealant-13b4/

Prior to Jerry making this available Locitite 518 was also used with success.

H
:cheers:Thanks, permabond is not available in my Country but I see loctite, so i will use this.

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[Ccmano]

Thanks, permabond is not available in my Country but I see loctite, so i will use this.

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I there a reason you can’t order direct from Jerry’s, from Poland?
H
:cheers:

[tommy]

I there a reason you can’t order direct from Jerry’s, from Poland?
H
:cheers:Only one reason - time, i need it urgent.

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