Are the valve cover gaskets hard to replace?I am learning as I go and would like to do it myself but if theres a big chance of messing something up I'll get help.<br>Thanks ,Steve

 

It is a pretty simple and straight forward job with the valve cover being on top of the engine, just be sure to use sealant on the gasket.<br><br> What I would have gave to have a valve cover on top like the Cummins when I used to tear up old '70s, slash, project cars. Remember trying to angle everything and bolt that old valve cover on.

 

You take the two bolts off holding the cover on that goes from front to back if it is installed (the plastic looking thing). I had taken it off my 95. Then you take the covers off one at a time and put a new gasket on and put them back on. They are preformed to fit and I never used any sealant on the 12 valvers I had.

 

Very well as for the sealant but I am a strong believer in RTV silicone for anything I have to use a gasket on.

 

I'm not saying not to use it but in this case, I would think it may make the gaskets walk since this is a rubber gasket sealing on a smooth surface on the head side anyway.<br>As far as sealer, I'm kinda from the old school and like to use Indianhead gasket shellac or whatever that name is. Been using that since the 70's. Got some in the shed and keep a bottle there all the time along with the RTV for other applications. I like the red hi-temp RTV. Some people don't know how to use it though and end up with leaks.

 

&quot;To use sealer&quot; vs &quot;not to use sealer&quot; can start a giant argument at the race track. <br>If you go to Cummins and ask questions,you'll find that they have a couple grades of gaskets. Buy the Marine grade gaskets I doubt you would need sealer,as I have not in over 5 years.

 

Yes I agree with both of you. As far as the gasket sealant goes do you remember using the goopy permatex while trying to hold the gasket in place and then slap that shiny new chrome Edelbrock cover on. Man what a mess, it seemed that the gasket would never want to line up with the bolt holes on the head near the back of the engine. Ah the joys of being a teenager in the mid 80's.

 

Thanks for all the replies, could somebody tell me the torque specs for the valve cover bolts?<br>Thanks, Steve

 

Believe that it is 18 ft-lbs. You can double check that with this site Valve adjustment. If it hasn't been done before or the engine is dirty I'd blow it off real well with air. You don't want any crude falling in. Do one at a time and you're less likely to get any dirt on the insides. Will you adjust the valves while you're at it? It's not too hard.<br><br>Paul

 

I would like to do a valve adjustment if someone wouldnt mind giving me some instructions.<br>Thanks, Steve

 

Sorry should have checked the link first. <br>Thanks

 

Figures. You're from Missouri so we gotta 'show ya' ;D. Just kidding. Look for a PM for more info.<br><br>Paul