Taking off valve cover Options

[senick]

I'm trying to change the valve cover gasket, but I'm having a hell of a time getting the cover off. The thing's been slooowly leaking oil, and that's all been building up and creating an adhesive layer. On the 7a, there's just the four acorn nuts that hold the cover on right? I feel like I'm missing something because this thing isn't budging. I tried using c-clamps on the left edge and pulling up, but no luck. Any advice?

[4-eyed-freek]

it shouldnt be that hard once you get all the bolts off, did you get the ones where the spark plugs go into?

[senick]

What do you mean, the spark plug wires? I don't think the plugs need to be taken out.

[senick]

Would it be safe to use some liquid wrench around the joint? I think I just really need to break up this layer of oil to take the cover off.

[d3ath2009]

when i replaced my timing belt we had to have the valve cover off. i dont remember how many screws there were, but i remember none were hiding or anything. taking plug wires out would probably help, and if it still doesnt come off try GENTLY and CAREFULLY prying with a falt head screw driver where the seal is, since thats what you're replacing anyway

[SupraKid]

remove nuts, take out plug wires, hit the valve cover on the sides with a rubber hammer, use the hammer and a flathead screw driver to pry it up

[senick]

Yeah, I'm liking the hammer idea. I'm reluctant to use a screw driver as I don't want to damage the aluminum and just make the leak worse. I'll have to post pics of what this looks like though..must be hella dirty.

[easternpiro1]

Before you get the whacking, try to use a rubber hammer first!! and you should b ok using a screwdriver just dont try manhandling it too much

[PolliS_5S-FE]

i think 4eyedfreek meant did u get the gaskets for where he plugs go aswell as the valve cover gasket

[senick]

Oh, yeah that makes sense. And yes, I got those. I'm on it.

[trdproven]

yea, just get the bolts off. anything that can prevent the cover from being removed, remove those as well like brackets or anything. tap on the cover with a mallet, it should loosen eventually lift it up. analyze since Ive never seen a 7afe, 5sfe requires sealant at the halfmoons. make sure you don't overtorque the cover you'll kink the gasket.

[senick]

Alright good advice. Yeah, I got gasket seal to spread around the points where the curves are sharp. Hopefully get this thing done when it stops raining...

[wvuguy]

When I took mine off it was pretty stuck too. Had to tap it with hammer lighlty on the sides to get it off.

[senick]

OK, I must be missing a bolt somewhere then. I had a c-clamp tightened on the left side of it, and I was pulling up with all my herculean strength and it wouldn't give.

[wvuguy]

OK, I must be missing a bolt somewhere then. I had a c-clamp tightened on the left side of it, and I was pulling up with all my herculean strength and it wouldn't give.

I don't think there are any hidden bolts. All the tops should be right on top. Some light blows from a hammer or a rubber mallet can be much more effective then pulling with full strength. Tap it a few times upwards on the corner and see if u notice it move.

[mkernz22]

You do have to move the wiring harness that goes over the timing belt area and you have to remove the throttle cable and bracket that holds it in place. Other than that, once the top 4 bolts come off, it should come right off with a mallet.

[senick]

Ohh...the throttle cable and bracket, didn't think I had to mess with those. Still, that wouldn't make it difficult to remove right? Just inconvenient.

[czwalga]

I took mine off yesterday on the way to removing the head. I can assure you atleast on the 5sfe, that there's only 4 of those big ass bolts that go around the spark plug shoots. Also the vacuum line that goes to the intake manifold, but you could remove it with it still connected it would just be a teather.