beavertail

It's time to replace my valve cover gaskets. I've put it off for a long time. I cant' tell which one it is so I'm going to do all of them. First question, I'm sure there is plenty of info on this so if someone could post a link to another thread that would be great. Also, any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. Second, what's the best way to clean the top of the engine? Thanks

torquefan

I will generally soak a cold engine with engine shampoo, then drive to a nearby car wash and use the pressure sprayer to blast the grime away. I have a car wash close enough to get there before the engine gets up to temperature though; I would avoid aggressively soaking an engine that was up to operating temperature. I try to avoid giving any electronics a direct prolonged blast with the water, but I've never been afraid to be sure everything gets clean.

If I'm resealing valve covers on a 12 valve, I usually remove the metal plate from above the valve covers, then give the engine a good shampoo before I remove the valve covers, just to make sure all the gunk is gone from the sealing surface so it won't interfere when I put it back together.

joem

I need to replace mine, and adjust the valves- but every time I look at how deep in #5 and 6 are I slam the hood and forget it- let me know how it goes

Metal Twister

LOL I just came in and saw this post after doing the very same thing.

Tate

If you think lashing the valves is bad, wait till you try to change the #5 and 6 tappets.

Swarthy Dago

I also get the engine a little warm. Soak it down with a 50 50 mix of simple green and amonia, do it twice then usually a good nozzle on the garden hose with at least 120 psi street pressure gets things clean or the pressure washer.