Valve Covers
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Valve Covers
On A 1977 F250 4x4 Highboy With A 351m How Tough Is It For A Regular Guy To Change The Valve Covers? Do They Just Unbolt And Slip Off Or Do I Have To Remove Any Other Parts First? I Love My Truck And Working On It But Im No Motorhead And Dont Want To Start And Not Be Able To Finish.you Guys Always Steer Me In The Right Direction So I Trust Your Replies...thanks Mike
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Vegas
Quality as in rubber, not cork. I replaced many cork ones before I broke down and got the better ones. Be careful not to get old gasket material down in around the valve springs and rockers. It could plug up an oil passage and cause problems.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Adding onto the above-said statements, you need to make sure that you torque your covers properly when you put them back on. There is a specific torque rating, as well as a specfic order in which to torque the bolts. Not following proper procedure can leave you with warped, leaking, or otherwise-deformed parts. Also, you'll want to put some permatex on those gaskets.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,392
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From: Cab of a truck
What valve covers are you looking to get ? With most aftermarket ones you may need a new breather cap. Also some stock valve covers have the spark plug wire loom attached to them, so you may need some aftermarket looms to keep the wires in line. Good luck with the project and post some pics of the new covers in your gallery when your done if you are able.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Spokane WA
May I just add that While she was supervised, the 6 months pregnant wife did hers on her 82.....she has some car knowledge, but not a lot.
answer.....its not hard, heck if we were in the NW chapter Id say even Mitch could handle it
answer.....its not hard, heck if we were in the NW chapter Id say even Mitch could handle it
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: lino lakes, mn
it's not a tuff job clean all your gasket serfaces. If you look at your covers you will see that the bolt hole are pulled in take a ballpenn hammer and tap these flat again then use
quarter inch rachet to tighten the bolts they only get like 12lbs of touque. If you tighten them to much the cover will bend and cut the gasket
quarter inch rachet to tighten the bolts they only get like 12lbs of touque. If you tighten them to much the cover will bend and cut the gasket
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Southern, NJ U.S.A.
Find the exact torque specs for your heads. I just recently broke the bolt ( I was in a rush and didn't use torque wrench) and then broke the extractor in the head. Needless to say there both still in there and I have a leak.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
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From: Other side of the sunrise
I don't use permatex and I don't torque. Just snug the bolts down lightly. If it leaks a little, snug down a little more. Start in the middle of the cover and cross back and forth, going in both directions until you got 'em all. Ball peen hammer is good for flattening the surfaces of the old cover, with a flat surface below(if you do use the old ones). Of course new shiny crome valve covers will be straight.
The reason I dont use permatex is that it is more work the next time I have to pull them off. I don't use permatex on anything except cooling system gaskets ie. water pump etc. For oil type gaskets, you shouldn't need permatex, as long as the surfaces are flat and clean.
The reason I dont use permatex is that it is more work the next time I have to pull them off. I don't use permatex on anything except cooling system gaskets ie. water pump etc. For oil type gaskets, you shouldn't need permatex, as long as the surfaces are flat and clean.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Other side of the sunrise
Originally Posted by CodaSmog
Find the exact torque specs for your heads. I just recently broke the bolt ( I was in a rush and didn't use torque wrench) and then broke the extractor in the head. Needless to say there both still in there and I have a leak.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Southern, NJ U.S.A.
Originally Posted by olfordsnstone
Coda, I think you are talking about "head bolt" aren't you? I believe Mike was refering to changing his valve covers and gaskets.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Valve cover bolts get like {7-12 INCH lbs} torque which is Hardly Anything.
EDIT:They get 3 - 5 Ft Lbs
Best way is with a socket screwdriver handle & socket & LIGHTLY tighten them in tightening order which involves crossing over.
EDIT:They get 3 - 5 Ft Lbs
Best way is with a socket screwdriver handle & socket & LIGHTLY tighten them in tightening order which involves crossing over.
Last edited by Mil1ion; Apr 1, 2005 at 10:33 PM.