I have a 93 Explorer (4.0L Pushrod V6) that has 189k miles on it and was wondering if the engine would benefit at all from removing the valve covers and cleaning any gunk or buildup that might be in there. Would it make any difference and would it be worth the effort? I am planning on doing a rebuild within the next 6 mos or so, but was contemplating different things to improve the way its running now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

If the engine is running OK now, then it won't make any difference to clean under the vale covers. It is best to let sleeping dogs lie.

 

Hey Dude,

What he said, "Don't let the dogs out"!

No benefit in doing that now, but when you toss in that rebuild, your old valve covers, will no doubt, be used on the rebuild. You must "CLEAN" them then.....

At 187K +, you will be amazed at how much, hard to remove crud and ash, will be inside those covers. They are one of the tuffist things to clean out.

Get a round wire brush on a drill, a steel bladed scraper, a parts washer, cause they are hard to clean.