Valve Cover Gasket Removal

[BrianG]

I need to replace my bad valve cover gasket and have a couple questions.

1. Which brand of gasket should I buy and from where?

2. Is there a better way than another to get the valve cover off?

3. Do I just remove the throttle body or the whole upper intake manifold with the throttle body attached?

Thanks

[russde]

Valve cover gasket

Hi Brian,

I just did this on my car last week. The simplest way is to remove the intercooler, then the throttle body, then the valve cover. A word of caution is in order however......

Most valve cover gasket kits come with the UPPER INTAKE gasket and not the throttle body gasket!!!! It was a four mile walk to the parts store for me....so order the Felpro rubber gasget kit and also get the throttle body to upper intake gasket, should only cost about $2 more.

And yes, from what I've seen on this list and elsewhere the Felpro rubber or the Ford rubber gaskets are the way to go.

Good luck,
Russ
'86 9L
San Antonio

[BrianG]

2 more questions.....

1. Do I need any special lubricates when I install the new valve cover and throttle body gaskets?

2. Do I need a special wrench for the wierd looking nuts securing the throttle body to the upper intake?

Thanks

[russde]

<<1. Do I need any special lubricates when I install the new valve cover and throttle body gaskets? >>
Nothing in particular. The valve cover gasket (rubber type) should go on 'dry'. Be sure not to overtighten. The throttle body gasket can go on dry as well, although some folks like to put a tiny amount of silcone to help it stick. Dry works just fine.

<<2. Do I need a special wrench for the wierd looking nuts securing the throttle body to the upper intake? >>
Weird looking nuts? IIRC they are just a type of nut that does not require a washer due to the flared end (I'm sure someone knows the proper name for them, I can't remember it). 13 mm I think.
<<Thanks>>
My pleasure.
Russ

[84turbojoe]

russde is correct about the nuts. Typically, on an item that is of high importance, say it sholding in a helicopter x-msn, these nuts would be replaced after one use to ensure proper torque value. I wouldn't bother trying to find new ones, they're fine. Instead of the typical 6 pt nut and socket, they require a 12 pt socket of that size (13mm?). Thats the only diff. Hope that helps.

Joe

[BrianG]

Thanks for the help......I got both gaskets from my local Ford dealer and installed them with no problems. I should have known about the 12 pt socket!!!


Thanks Again