this may be a stupid question, but can i remove the valve cover without draining the oil? I assume i can, but if there's no oil in there, why does it leak from the gasket?

thanks. -g

 

sounds like you need a new valve cover gasket. And you can remove it without draining the oil

 

could be a gasket issue or cam seal

 

or a distributor o-ring.

 

When you remove the valve cover bolts, remove all of the grommets and set them aside.

 

Once I get my Cam Cap seal, i'll make a DIY on how to replace the valve cover gasket for you.

 

haha. yes. i do need a new gasket. thus the question. thanks.

-g

 

just be careful on the tourque when you put the valve cover back on. those bolts break real easy.

 

this is true.

 

Yeah they break really easy one of mine broke I think thats why Im getting a lil oil in my spark plug cuase its not sealed down in a corner

 

When the motor is running, oil is pumped into the head. When the engine is off, the oil drains back down to the oil pan.



Notice the holes with oil sitting in them running down the center of the head - next to the spark plug holes. Those are the main oil passages to lubricate the valve train. Also note the small holes in the cam journals - those are also oil passages.

 

Dont tighten the nuts on the valve cover when you reinstall it over 8-9 Ft-lb's. The spec is 7, but i always go 1-2 over. If you got much further they WILL break, i have done it when not using a torque wrench.

And yes you can remove it 5-10 mins after its been turned off, or when cold whichever and no oil will spill everywhere, maybe some drops from the bottom of the valve cover when you lift it up.

 

Also make sure you get the spark plug seals. They will have to be replaced also. If you get your gasket set from Autozone or some place like that, they should all come together with the valve cover gasket as a set. If you go to the dealer for OEM gaskets, they are sold separately.

 

Yes.

 

thanks for all the advice everyone. and since it's off now, i've decided to strip it to repaint it red. not very original, but i'm sure it will look good. no, it's not red crinkle paint, just engine block paint from meijer. off to search on advice on that subject now.

 

painting it now. don't bother with the meijer engine paint. too thin, doesn't coat well. i found red wrinkle paint at O'reilys. I have the recommended 3 coats on now and it looks great. i'll be putting it back on the car tomorrow.