Valve Cover Gaskets
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Valve Cover Gaskets
Hello out there,
I have a 1989 Ford Econoline E-350 Van with an injected 5.8 liter V8, the problem I'm having is simple but nonetheless a pain in the (!@#). All I wanna do is just put new valve cover gaskets on because it's obvious that the old gaskets aren't holding their seal anymore and the oil is dripping onto the exhaust headers causing the oil to burn and smoke under the hood.
Now here's the problem, I don't know if it's a van thing or a Ford thing, but after taking off the dog house from inside and opening the hood for possibly better lighting and access, I just can't reach in with my hands to get at the valve cover bolts to remove the covers because they are quite simply and literally buried under PACKED vacuum hoses and wiring and engine brackets; What's worse is that the valve cover on the passenger side of my van has the intake manifold with that weird curve casting shape sitting damn near right on top of it.
I'm trying to find the best angle of attack to do the job myself because I don't want to spend $400+ in labor alone for a $19.00 pair of gaskets.
Lou
I have a 1989 Ford Econoline E-350 Van with an injected 5.8 liter V8, the problem I'm having is simple but nonetheless a pain in the (!@#). All I wanna do is just put new valve cover gaskets on because it's obvious that the old gaskets aren't holding their seal anymore and the oil is dripping onto the exhaust headers causing the oil to burn and smoke under the hood.
Now here's the problem, I don't know if it's a van thing or a Ford thing, but after taking off the dog house from inside and opening the hood for possibly better lighting and access, I just can't reach in with my hands to get at the valve cover bolts to remove the covers because they are quite simply and literally buried under PACKED vacuum hoses and wiring and engine brackets; What's worse is that the valve cover on the passenger side of my van has the intake manifold with that weird curve casting shape sitting damn near right on top of it.
I'm trying to find the best angle of attack to do the job myself because I don't want to spend $400+ in labor alone for a $19.00 pair of gaskets.
Lou
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Valve Cover Gaskets
I've pulled truck valve covers from a 5.0L with the intake plenum in place, but it wasn't easy with the engine on a stand. I think I'd break down & pull the plenum from the van to do it - bring your gaskets back & see if it's cheaper to get a set with the plenum & VCgaskets together. Also, aerosol Copper-Coat gasket compound is a wise investment for a little extra insurance on a task so labor-intensive.
