Valve Cover Removal

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Sep 1, 2007 | 10:11 AM

ss150

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Valve Cover Removal

I have a leak from my drivers side valve cover on my 302, so I am going to replace the gasket. My question is, do you have to remove all the wiring and stuff on top of it, or is it possible to lift it up and change out the gasket without moving the wiring? Also, if anyone off the top of their head knows the bolt size that would help as well. Thanks.

Last edited by ss150; Sep 1, 2007 at 10:20 AM.

Sep 1, 2007 | 02:47 PM

lostin90s

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Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Central PA

10 mm I think been awhile

The wire harness come apart at the fender well and you can fold up out way . The plug wires can be left on and taken from clips for movement. The upper manifold will have to come off for other side .(it will leak day after you fix the other) Buy a cheap torx set (need 40 i think )for a cordless drill use 1/4 extension and socket tape the torx bit in . (this set up will fit between groove in upper intake to get at torx bolt. )

Get the good none cork gaskets they last longer. Any problems PM me.

Sep 1, 2007 | 02:57 PM

MisterCMK

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Blue Hill Township

Rubber gaskets are a MUST. Cork WILL leak

Last edited by MisterCMK; Sep 1, 2007 at 02:57 PM. Reason: speling

Sep 1, 2007 | 06:02 PM

302 F-150

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Definately use fel-pro gaskets. I made the mistake of using cheap gaskets on my valve covers and intake and had to change them about a week later. I used fel-pro's and they haven't leaked since.

Sep 1, 2007 | 09:30 PM

ss150

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Ok, thanks guys. I got fel-pro gaskets. I thought they were rubber, but turns out they were cork. I'm going to trade them in sometime and get the rubber. I went out there to take the valve cover off and found out that the bolts weren't even hand tight. I decided for now to just tighten the all down a little better and see if that fixes it. I will drive it a couple more days, and if it continues, I'll change them out. I figure I may have only been over torquing them, but I figured it was worth a shot since I planned on changing them anyways. I'll let you guys know what happens and if I have any ,ore questions. Thanks again.

Sep 1, 2007 | 11:14 PM

mebe2k

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 1,062

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From: Ford, WA

almost every Ford motor i've worked on has had super loose valve cover bolts? maybe the hot/cold cycle loosens them? I know tightening them usually doesn't work.. best to replace the gaskets.. you can also clean the insides of the valve covers and paint 'em up nice a pretty.

Sep 2, 2007 | 03:16 AM

Decipha

Cross-Country

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 77

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From: New Orleans, LA

on my 302 they were loose as well IIRC they were 7/32 bolts and you need a deep socket for a couple of them, i believe the torque rating is 18 ft lbs on the valve cover bolts