I got my 5553 Time-Sert repair kit. It says that I should take the valve cover off and make sure the valves stem are not dressed to make sure it is closed. That part is easy, but how can I make sure the piston is down and away from the spark plug hole. That way none of the tools will hit when I follow the instructions. I was thinking of putting long screw driver in the hole to make sure the piston is not in the up position.

 

Yup. that's exactly how you do it.

I've done probably 200 as a professional tech and had ZERO comebacks. Follow the instructions, you won't fail

 

You have to make sure of TWO things: That the piston is down AND that the valves are closed.

If the valves are open, you will hit one of them with the tool and damage it, causing a new problem.

 

How do you get the driver side valve cover off the engine. I have loosen all bolts including the hardest one that was tucked in the firewall. The valve cover is tucked in and I cannot get it off. Is there a trick to remove it?

 

Never mind. Got the darn thing off.