valve cover gaskets 91 Loyale, any tricks ?

[foxgap]

anything will help, I am tired of the oil burning off of the exhaust everytime I start or shut the car off. The oil pump seal has been replaced so that area is now dry. I understand the drivers side valve cover is a real treat to work on. Thanks in advance!

[subiemech85]

flex head gear wrench

[Numbchux]

make sure you replace the rubber grommets on the bolts

 

and don't overtorque them when reinstalling. when I did it, I overtorqued, and a chunk of the cam case broke off and actually made the leak worse

[Reveeen]

Are you sure it is the valve cover gaskets only?

The cam boxes have been known to leak, more so than just the valve cover gaskets, go on, get under there and look.

[ivantruckman]

+ 1 on a set of gear wrenches, chraftsman makes shallow sockets that fit their gear wrenches, also the flex head are the best , they lock in at alot of different angles, their on sale now for only 89 bucks. ouch, the sockets are 25 bucks. , i wold look hard at the cam seals, like everybody says too...

[foxgap]

Thanks everyone. Next time I get it in the dry I will jack it up and check the cam boxes. I thought that they were part of the covers but now know better.

[jumpingjohn]

you can use a jack w/ a piece of wood. support engine by putting on oil pan. remove 2 engine mounts (nuts) and jack engine up for clearance.

[Numbchux]

you can use a jack w/ a piece of wood. support engine by putting on oil pan. remove 2 engine mounts (nuts) and jack engine up for clearance.

 

if you do go this route (not necessary for this project...but if you want to...), make sure you disconnect the pitch stopper too.

 

and remember, the oil pan isn't a structural point. it'll support the engine and tranny, but if it's hung up on anything don't force it, or you might be looking for a new oil pan, or more.