Is it a major undertaking to change valve cover gaskets on a '76 98? I am an amateur and have only done things like oil, brakes and plugs. i would like to learn to do more but is this something that is a bit out of my beginner range?

 

Easy job,

1. If you have never done this before, take pictures of the engine bay as you take things apart.

2. remove air cleaner detach hosed and items from the valve covers. and buy new gaskets

3. remove all of the bolts from the vlave cover. Using a medium screwdriver pry the covers loose. tap on the covers with a rubber hammer to help loosen the covers.

4. using a scraper and chemical gasket remover (Use spray onmn from any auto parts storp. Remove all of the old gasket from both the head and the valve cover.

5. turn the valve cover so the underside is facing up and lay the edge were it bolts down on a flat hard steel surface. The back side of a vise works well. usind a small habber and a socket extension tap the area around the bolt hole flat.

6. check the valve train while you have the covers off for debis and make sure yopu scrape out all of the gunk.

7, install the new gaskets on the valve covers with some gasket sealer and reinstall the covers. Snug down the bolts and tighten 1/4 turn. Do not over tight or they will leak

8. Using the pictures re-assemble everything and your are done

Good luck

 

I would be wary. That is a pretty tough job.

 

Jesse,

Your kidding of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

You may also wany to recheck the bolts after a couple engine heat cycles.

 

I strongly suggest spending the extra few bucks and buy the reuseable valve cover gaskets from Summit.

I bought a set for $25 or $30 and you do not need RTV to install and it's impossible to over torque the bolts

 

Unless the covers have been damaged, there is no reason to use RTV.

Clean mating surfaces and proper torque (7lbs) are a given.

Norm

 

I think Citcapp missed a big clue here ('76 98) that car would more than likely have A/C which means that all those goofy slingshot looking brackets have to come off first, alt and comp, and then....begin the list with easy!!