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Anonymous
Guest
I am about to remove my valve cover so I can re-paint it. It's a 144ci in a 1961 Comet. Does anyone have any advice on how to do this correctly. Also, what can I check and possible "fix" while the cover is off?
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Anonymous
Guest
Just remove the bolts to take it off, then once you have it off make sure no debris gets into the rocker assembly (cover the whole thing with a t-shirt or something). Then you can visually look everything over. After you get that nice new shiny paint on make sure their is no material left over from the gasket on the cover or on the head. Then after you've established that everything is clean, just take your NEW gasket and apply an oil-resistent sealant to the valve cover and stick the gasket on the cover. The sealant will help keep the gasket in place while you tighten the bolts back up. I'm not to sure if you need to tighten the bolts to certain specifications, someone will come along and answer that part.
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Anonymous
Guest
i think the specs are something like 7 ft-lbs, something low.
You may also want to check that the base of the valve cover is flat and that the holes for the bolts are not pulled down. Over the years over torqueing etc can bend things out of shape. A little light tapping here and there can help get things back to square and help make a good seal.
Jim
Jim
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Anonymous
Guest
Use a neoprene valve cover gasket. The cork will dry out from the heat and start to leak. If for what ever reasone you need to remove the cover in the future the neoprene will come off in one piece too, no clean up. The neoprene can be reused a couple of times too.
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Anonymous
Guest
Thanks for all the responses so far! That was fast! One question I have is should I be looking for anything while I have the cover off? On other sites for other engine types they say it is a good time to check oil drain holes back into the pan. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Len
Thanks
Len
simon
Famous Member
can only speak for myself, but I´d check the rocker assembly while I´m at it.
unbolt the whole assembly and clean it with your preferred cleaner - gas, kerosene, brake cleaner, WD40.
check for wear on the shaft (though the shaft is made from surface hardened steel, the rockers are forged cast iron and will eat up the shaft once the first layer is gone).
check for pitting and wear on the rocker arm tips as well, and you might want to wiggle the rocker arms somewhat on the shaft to reassure yourself that "endplay ain´t gotten too big".
If you really want to dig into it, disassemble the whole assembly for even better cleaning and measuring.
With the shaft and rockers out of the way, you can catch a glimpse of your valvetips too. Clean, and check your pushrods for straightness and wear on its ends.
put everything back together (shaft mounts - also known as pedestals or stands- need 30-35 lb/ft) and set the valve lash.
If you´re somewhat mechanically inclined (or just plain crazy, or both) all that can be done in one afternoon.
you might want to check the valve cover bolt holes for flatness as well, as they get pulled out over time because bolts get tightened too much. the surface around the bolt holes needs to be flat to ensure good sealing.
The valve cover bolts don´t need a lot of torque - 3-5 lb/ft is enough. All they need to do is to compress the gasket just enough to prevent leaks. no shear forces, no tensile force, no high pressure, - just sealing.
hand tight is about right. if it leaks, give it half a turn more.
those triangular shaped washers from the Mr.Gasket-company help to spread the load on a greater surface, and prevent stripping the bolt holes
unbolt the whole assembly and clean it with your preferred cleaner - gas, kerosene, brake cleaner, WD40.
check for wear on the shaft (though the shaft is made from surface hardened steel, the rockers are forged cast iron and will eat up the shaft once the first layer is gone).
check for pitting and wear on the rocker arm tips as well, and you might want to wiggle the rocker arms somewhat on the shaft to reassure yourself that "endplay ain´t gotten too big".
If you really want to dig into it, disassemble the whole assembly for even better cleaning and measuring.
With the shaft and rockers out of the way, you can catch a glimpse of your valvetips too. Clean, and check your pushrods for straightness and wear on its ends.
put everything back together (shaft mounts - also known as pedestals or stands- need 30-35 lb/ft) and set the valve lash.
If you´re somewhat mechanically inclined (or just plain crazy, or both) all that can be done in one afternoon.
you might want to check the valve cover bolt holes for flatness as well, as they get pulled out over time because bolts get tightened too much. the surface around the bolt holes needs to be flat to ensure good sealing.
The valve cover bolts don´t need a lot of torque - 3-5 lb/ft is enough. All they need to do is to compress the gasket just enough to prevent leaks. no shear forces, no tensile force, no high pressure, - just sealing.
hand tight is about right. if it leaks, give it half a turn more.
those triangular shaped washers from the Mr.Gasket-company help to spread the load on a greater surface, and prevent stripping the bolt holes
being an early motor you might want to check the lash at the very least while you are in there.
A
Anonymous
Guest
OK I took the cover off yesterday. Gasket everywhere. I believe this was the first time the cover was removed. It was not cranked down and the bolts came out very easy. Gasket was a mess. Worked all day today taking pieces off the cover and the engine. I made an attachment to my shop vac to reduce the nozzle down to a 5/8 hose and sucked up the removed gasket as I went along being very careful not to let any of it go down by the push rods. I believe I got it all. Went an inch at a time with a putty knife being very careful not to gouge the metal. Got the cover all cleaned up and re-painted with VHT yellow as origional. Looks great! I have the neoprene gasket and am ready to put it all back during the week. Didn't tackle the rocker assembly this time. This engine does not have a lot of miles on it. It looked pretty good. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions!
Len
Len
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Anonymous
Guest
Put the valve cover back on tonight! Everything went well with all your advice. No leaks and the oil pressure came up immediatly! Very pleased with the results. Work is having a old car display as part of it's annual field day tomorrow. Can't wait to show it off!
Len
Len
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