Valve cover gasket replacement
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: orlando Orange
Valve cover gasket replacement
I need to replace the valve cover gaskets on my 91 AWD Aerostar. The gasket on the driver side is leaking bad (not that the othr side isn't leaking. Has anyone done this? Any helpful tips, hints, ect?
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the help.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: PNW
Valve cover gasket replacement
I've never had to do just the valve cover gaskets, but I have had to do the heads. As is true with just about any job under the hood on these things, it pays to get as much out of the way as possible, like removing the alternator and the power steering pump. They're not too hard to remove. I'm not saying you will definitely have to remove them to do just the valve cover gaskets, but if they get in the way at all, don't hesitate to move them out of the way. After being spoiled by my '71 Maverick (in terms of accessibility), I have come to realize it's much easier to remove stuff (that you wouldn't think you'd have to) when working on modern cars. So much for progress.
Another thing. The valve cover gaskets that came in the gasket set for doing the heads were pathetic looking cork gaskets. I went to the dealer and bought the Ford gaskets. I would stay away from cork gaskets. Make sure you put silicone at the head/manifold junction and around (not in the threads, though) the one or two bolts that goes into the exhast port. If you have the factory manual, it will show you where to apply the silicone.
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Joined: Oct 2001
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Valve cover gasket replacement
I did my 91 XLT a few years ago. Started at about 7:00am and finished at about 11:00pm. Interference from other things was a big deal. I seem to remember having a lot of problem with getting the Alternator out and am certain that the power steering pump stayed in. Remember to lable your plug wires and make a diagram of the coil pack. Both of my Chiltons were miss-labled and that was one of the major reasons for taking so long. It took trial and error for me to get all the plug wires back in the right location. As with most other engine compartment work on these, plan on leaving most of your knuckle skin inside the engine bay. Good Luck, and be patient.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
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From: PNW
Valve cover gasket replacement
Yeah, you're right. The PS pump stays put. It's the AC compressor I was thinking of. It was a painful experience and I was trying to forget about it, but you brought back the bad memories like a recurring nightmare.
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