How do you get that gasket off????

[MyRidzPhucked]

I'm worried and pissed off. I spent from 2 till 7 in the morning trying to fix my problems, but i'm almost starting bigger ones. how do you get the valve cover gasket off?? I searched and didnt find anything so i started using a chisel... 2 tiny scratches and i'm already worried to hell about it. I have to get it running by 4 in the afternoon, i dont have a moon gasket to replace the old one. It's saturday. I'll put the valve and spark plug gaskets in now, and maybe take it off and replace that on tuesday morning, i wont drive it far...

I just sprayed my valve cover with carb cleaner and i'm going to go take a nap. I have work after till 4 in the morning so i need SOME sleep.
thanks in advance!
P.s. it is REALLY solidified!

 

[BlueMoonEclipse]

You do not wana know how i remoove solidified gaskets....

Just use my rotary wire brush ......that cant be good...leaves em nice and clean

Try carefull usage of a putty knife

 

[girlieracr4g63]

If you are REALLY careful you can use some 800 grit sand paper. The key is you dont want to make low spots..Sand VERY lightly....

 

[MyRidzPhucked]

Thanks guys (and girls )

When i tried searching, i found nothing on this, so i will put my input for someone else in the future...

1) use a rubber mallet to take the head off. DONT use a screwdriver unless you are super careful, and you will still make marks either way. I used a screwdriver and make about 4 marks, but not too deep and they were to the outside of the head. if you gouge anything, use a NEW hammer (no chips) and hit it down REAL gently, it will dissapear with patience. To get the old gasket off the valve cover, i soaked it in HOT water for 10 minutes then picked at it with a putty knife, then when i got a little chunk, i started pulling REAL slow. Dont go fast at all, cause it will break and you will have to get another piece to hold on to. Taking the gasket off took about 40 minutes. taking the leftover gasket took about a hour of gently scrubbing with the scotch pads in front of the tv

INSPECT FOR CRACKS!!!!

2) If you're nervous about doing something, dont do it, ask someone else. I went from my garage to back here at least 8 times to find spesific diagnosis.

3) You dont really have to use sandpaper... Ever see those green scotch pads? They work EXCELLENTLY. No harsh scratches and it clears the gasket off nice.

4) the Half moon gasket is a breeze to take off and replace, MAKE SURE TO DO IT! I almost went ahead to skip it, but i took it out and it wasnt rubber, it was plastic. Came out WAY too easily and i found a leak at the same time.

5) Dont expect to do it quickly, I took the valve cover off on Friday and I still have to pout it back on and its Tuesday. A second car always helps in this situation!

6) Dont be a dumbass, change the spark plugs (and wires) at the same time. Remove all the gunk you can possibly get to without leaving pieces of cloth or pad in the head and then flush it out afterwards. I'm using an engine flush, then i will clean it with Mopar Combustion Chamber Conditioner.

7)Vola, you should have a non leaking head, more power, less hesitation and a smile knowing you just saved cash

8) should i even have to say not to tighten the head down hard at all? If i should, you should NOT be doing this project until you DO SOME READING!