Help with passenger side VC
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Owensboro, KY
Help with passenger side VC
What is the trick to getting the passenger side valve cover off? I'm having problems with the 3rd bolt back on the low side. I'm working on an Excursion, not sure if the blower box is bigger than the trucks or not. I have tried every combination of extensions, universals,nand wobblers I have with no luck. I can not get it broke loose. I'm scared I'm going to round it off. I only have 12 point socket that will fit it. Would a 6 point be better in this application?
Any tips?
Any tips?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
A 12 pt socket really shouldn't hurt anything. If you're working on a 4wd, take a wrench and get it from the wheel well. If it's 2wd, use a wobble, a 6" extension, and you're ratchet. The key is to make sure the socket is on the bolt and you keep the extension stable before you start to break it loose. If necessary, try and shove your hand next to the socket to feel that it's on the bolt before you start to spin.
I've done both trucks and Excursions, just take your time and don't give up. If the bolt get's a little rounded, just be sure to put it in an easy to get to spot when you do the re-install.
I've done both trucks and Excursions, just take your time and don't give up. If the bolt get's a little rounded, just be sure to put it in an easy to get to spot when you do the re-install.
Thread Ender
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 8
From: SC
Assuming you have sprayed a bunch of PB blaster/WD40/Liquid Wrench down there, I dont think you will round it off as long as you are getting the socket on there straight. Are you going at it from above or through the wheelwell? I have removed VCs on the trucks but not on an Ex and I did it from above. I know sometimes you think you need a bunch of extensions and u joints, but there are times when just a ratchet and a deepwell socket works best. I guess a 6 pt socket would probably be better, but I would think you could get it off with what you have. Maybe you can start the motor and run it for a few to heat everything up and that may help break it loose? I dont know, Im just throwing things out there.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
This is where air tools come in real handy. I normally grab one of those ratchets with the twist handle for this situation. You can turn the socket by just twisting the ratchet handle. Neat little contraption. I think Lowes has one called the Double Drive or something like that. Good luck. 
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Owensboro, KY
Well, I guess I was over thinking it. I ended up getting it with a short socket and no extensions. DUH!!
This is my first VC pull on the passenger side. A few of those bolts are going to be tough to get started back. Those back 2 on the low side are tight.
Thanks for the quick responses guys.
This is my first VC pull on the passenger side. A few of those bolts are going to be tough to get started back. Those back 2 on the low side are tight.
Thanks for the quick responses guys.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: Echo Oregon
after i had a real tough time getting mine out, i learned that you can access the bottom bolts from the wheel well with a wrench. made installation much easier.
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