Ok...
I am trying to change out these valve cover gaskets and the 2 different haynes books I have dont really tell me how this should be done....
First timer... any help would be appreciated....

 

i dont know what your working on, but the covers come off easy if you can get to them. after you remove them just remove the old gasket material on the cover and the head. try to get rubber gaskets instead of cork. i just line up the indents on the cover with the gaskets and bolt them on. you can use a little sealer if you want. then tighten from the middle out. i just snug the bolts good but there is a spec. after a day or two of driving you can go around and snug them again.

 

Make sure everything is clean. Unscrew the bolt/screws holding down the covers, use something to hold back the clips and wires that are held on with the cover screws. Take out the covers, clean throughly (!!!) making sure there is not gasket material (or anything else) stuck in the underside of the covers.
Using a good light look at the valve springs, they should all look the same, if one looks lower or higher then the others ask for help. If you look inside the springs you may be able to see little cups on the valve stems. At this point that is what you are doing, looking at them.
Using a clean lint free (if possible) rag or paper towel (the shop blue ones) carefully wipe along the bottom of the head, inside not outside. Look at what you wiped up, using a light. There should be nothing shiny, like metal pieces or flakes. If there is ask for help.
Clean the screws and clips you removed to start things. Spray with brake cleaner to clean. Dry.
Again, using a new set of clean rags or paper towels, carefully wipe the mating surface of the head, carefully so you don't get dirt or anything else from the outside inside.
Depending on the gasket and manufacturer, place the gasket inside the valve cover. Some have a screw hole that is small so you can place the screw/bolt thru the cover and gasket and it will hold the gasket in place while you put the cover on the head.
Carefully put the cover and gasket in place, using the screws and a small screwdriver if needed to pull the gasket where it belongs. Make sure you get the clips and wires back where they came from.
Torque the screws to 10 to 15 inch pounds.
That is easy...isn't it!? next lesson is the thermostat.
Pam

 

Thanks sooo much.
What a real help your reply is ...
I will let you know how it goes....
And Ill get back to you for the timing gasket

 

This is very important if you want to prevent any leaks: ensure that the valve covers have a flat mating surface. Usually on older valve covers the bolts tend to dimple the mating surface. If it is not flat, you will eventually end up with a leak. Use a piece of wood as the mating surface and place the valve cover on it. Make sure that only the mating surface is touching the wood. Use a hammer and gently tap around the bolt holes to make them flat again.