The manual says nothing about removing the drivers side EGR tube from the exhaust manual in order to remove the drivers side valve cover to replace the gasket.

Will the valve cover lift off the head with enough room to between the EGR tube and the valve-train to remove and replace the cover and gasket with-out removing the EGR tube, or must it be remove first? Pretty sure it's leaking, but hard to tell because the fan keeps blowing the oil all over the place. It may even be coming from the oil cooler/remoter oil filter adapter gasket or O-rings. What do ya think guys?

 

i would tighten the valve cover bolts 1/2 turn each (if they are not already very tight) and see what happens next.

 

I'll give that a try, but would still like to know if the valve cover can be removed with out removing the EGR tube????

 

The valvetrain is only 1/2 or so beneath the cam cover. So, depending on the location of the EGR tube, it may or may not come off without removing it. I've seen some vehicles that the EGR tube needs to come off to get the cam cover off, and some do not need the EGR tube removed.
JL

 

I guess I'll have to try it and see. I just didn't want to break off the EGR tube that crosses over the rear of the left drivers side valve train. Is it carbon steel that rusts or is it Stainless. I'd have a much better chance getting it free then w/o it breaking and having to buy a new one.

My big fear is that it will break off in the cast iron exhaust manifold. That would be hell to remove it at all. I've got some JBA SS titanium coated shorty headers I want to install but that may take a while and I want to put that off for a while.

 

The EGR tube itself is a low grade stainless. The flare type nuts used on the exhaust manifold and at the EGR valve to secure the tube are a hardened steel that will rust. I've never had a problem taking the tube off, but then again, I don't live where people drive their cars on salty roads all winter.
JL

 

That valuable info and thanks a bunch JL! I'll soak it with penatrent and remove it if the V-Cover won't come off. I'm guessing it will need to be removed though. Too bad the frame and body isn't SS.

The timing covers don't leak on these things do they, on the left side? I've got to isolate that leak, I may secure some sheet metal in front of that side so the fan doesn't blow the oil all over hell and make it so hard to see where it's leaking from. It is a very slow leak, but still make a mess.