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ok guys. what's the trick w/ removing the PS valve cover? I can get the first 6 bolts but can't reach the rear upper and lower bolts because of the heater core housing.
I tried looking from under, but no dice. Had to remove a couple of vacuum contraptions bolted in place in the process on both sides.
Especially the bottom rear bolt. I can barely see it. not sure how I'll get any sort of socket on it.
X2 on flex extension, wobble socket, short extension, or short socket and an couple is universals. Patience and more tools put together, that is the A/C Evaporator Assembly in the way. And yes it does also have a heater core in there. And yes it is a PITA.
1/4 inch drive short socket with flex adapter and long extension.
What I use ... along with wrenches from below the box, cold manifolds, reaching back from the front, well protected fenders. It's tight, but a long 1/4" drive extension with wobble end is the most important item in my opinion.
And how do I put that bolt back in? Can’t imagine it’s easy
I have used a layer or two of paper or masking tape on the bolt head to cause the socket to grip it lightly enough to hold it in the socket, then used an extension on the socket to twist it with fingers and then when it feels like threads took, then just finger pressure until needing my ratchet. I have a few extensions, 2, 3, 4, & 6 inch long. Keep a magnet on stick close by in case they drop.
I have used a layer or two of paper or masking tape on the bolt head to cause the socket to grip it lightly enough to hold it in the socket, then used an extension on the socket to twist it with fingers and then when it feels like threads took, then just finger pressure until needing my ratchet. I have a few extensions, 2, 3, 4, & 6 inch long. Keep a magnet on stick close by in case they drop.
I switched from bolts to studs and nuts for the valve covers on my 1976 F350 supercab. Makes gasket alignment much easier, and I found it much easier to start a nut on the stud than to get a bolt started, particularly the ones nearest the firewall. The two rear ones on the driver's side were more difficult for me than the ones on the passenger side. That big brake booster makes access a PIA.
good thought. with my AC/heater unit in place, I'm still scratching my head in terms of how I'll get to those bolts. I can't imagine how I'll even get studs in those holes on the PS. I did have to remove a vacuum contraption from it's mount on the DS to get to the rear bolts but this was relatively easy compared to what I'm able to see on the PS despite the brake booster in the way.
For the future: I replaced my valve cover bolts with allen head bolts and flat washers so that any kind of allen wrench would work. A T-handle allen wrench works just fine for me but a smaller right angle allen head wrench might do better in some tight situations.
And how do I put that bolt back in? Can’t imagine it’s easy
I have used electrical tape, put the bolt in the socket, wrap electrical tape around the socket, and stretch it, so it wraps around the bottom of the socket, and holds the bolt in place. Once I get it started, I pull the socket off, remove the tape, and then finish tightening.
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