I agree. When I removed my front valve cover, those spark plug channel rubber seals were so hard that several of them shattered. One needs a seal puller and it helps to have a seal installer to replace them with a new set. It took a bit of work to remove the old seals as they were really pressed into the valve cover. Don't just buy a new valve cover gasket. Buy the whole valve cover gasket and seal replacement kit and save a trip back to the parts store.

 

I have already ordered a complete set. Where does one get the 'seal puller and installer?'

 

You do not need special tools. You have to carefully pry back the retaining tabs with screwdriver and then knock them out with a punch. Make sure you adequately support the VC. I made a press with a carriage bolt and a few large washers but you can drive them in with a hammer and large socket or piece of wood. Again, make sure you supportnthe VC. Observe the depth of the original seals because they do not go all the way in. If you drive them all the way home, you may not have enough engagement with the tubes. Lube them well before installing the VC.

 

What is the recommended torque setting for the spark plugs?

 

On the rear valve cover, rear-most edge, how do you remove the bolt that is towards the passenger side?

 

Sorry I cant answer that ,,, and the question would be better answered in another thread.

Salim

Moved here

 

Two questions: (1) what is the torque setting for the spark plugs? (2) on the rearmost edge of the rear valve cover, how do you remove the bolt on the passenger side?

 

Jab, You will get some ideas about replacement of valve cover gaskets from this link. It is Toyota engine but different vehicle with different setup but the basics are same.

http://www.wjowsa.com/carstuff/toyot...lve-cover-job/

 

1. 13ft-lb

Good luck getting the right torque on the odds.

Salim

 

What is the valve cover bolts torque 69ft-lb?

 

No - Way! it must be in in-lbs. You would need the 1/4 in torque wrench

I will try to get the value for you, but it will have to wait till morning.

fyi: you can convert x in-lbs = x/12 lb-ft.

You will need iow range torque wrench for such low values.

Salim

 

yes it is 69 in-lbs which about 5.75 ft.-lbs.

 

FYI ,,,
I would not expect a 'cheap' torque wrench to be well calibrated at the extreme ends of scale.

So make sure you have access to low range torque wrench.

Problem with pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets is that they need to be squeezed just right. Too little, the will leak and too much, they will leak.

Also if you need conversions and not sure about the formula .. google does a fine job.

Salim

 

According to the following diagram, the valve covers are attached with shoulder bolts and the pressure exerted by the cover on the gasket is determined by the sandwich of rubber and aluminum washers. This design was to specifically prevent over tightening of the valve cover gasket. So, the correct torque spec is 69 in-lbs but I wouldn't be too concerned with the tolerance on that torque as long as the bolts don't come loose.

 

Here is diy videos: