$#%£€£ 2.8 valve covers! (Page 1/1)
Mccannable AUG 27, 08:06 PM

I think I have read every post on the internet regarding valve cover removal. I’m usually somewhat capable but this has me stumped. I’m just taking off the rear (trunk) to repaint along with the top intake plenum.

All bolts are out and I cannot get it out past the lower plenum.

Distributor is pointing towards the transmission.

I really don’t want to take out the lower intake plenum as that’s more than I want to do for minor cosmetic improvements.

Do I need to remove the dog bone engine mount? Or just burn it down?
Patrick AUG 27, 08:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mccannable:

I think I have read every post on the internet regarding valve cover removal.



Did you read mine?

It's true, 2.8 valve covers CAN be removed without removing the middle intake plenum!


quote
Originally posted by Patrick:



The red arrow indicates where the bolt is that's a bit of a challenge to remove (one on each side), but really, with a bit of ingenuity it was actually pretty easy.


[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-27-2021).]

Mccannable AUG 27, 08:49 PM
Yes. It has made me feel more inferior lol.

Although after reading again after taking a break I realize my distributor is off a little from yours in the picture.


Patrick AUG 27, 09:21 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mccannable:

Although after reading again after taking a break I realize my distributor is off a little from yours in the picture.



Why would you think that the position of the distributor makes that much of a difference?

If anything, it's the position of the camshaft (and therefore the valves) that may or may not allow the valve cover(s) to clear the valve train when being removed with the middle intake plenum still in place.

Keep in mind that the relative positions of the distributor and camshaft are not necessarily the same from engine to engine. The distributor rotor could theoretically be pointing in any direction when #1 cylinder is at TDC (of the compression stroke), depending on which terminal of the distributor cap is being used as #1.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-27-2021).]

Mccannable AUG 28, 08:33 AM
I was mainly referring to the relationship between the distributor and camshaft position to allow for clearance that is distinct a few threads. I guess you are corrected it doesn’t have to relate to camshaft position but I would assume most people keep the plug wiring the same.


I’ll work the camshaft around and keep trying.

Is there nothing else needed to be removed for clearance?
Patrick AUG 28, 03:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mccannable:

Is there nothing else needed to be removed for clearance?



Not trying to be flippant... but in my experience, anything that needed to be removed was obvious. If something was preventing the valve cover from being pulled out of there, I removed it.
Mccannable AUG 28, 04:05 PM
After sleeping on it I figured it out. I realized the dog bone and the. Accompanying mount could be removed without the engine sagging or needing support.


Problem solved.