First time i took mine off to replace the gaskets it was pretty much as hard as you mentioned. I finally hit it a few times on the side with a rubber mallet and that caused it to break free. On my friend's car that method did not work so we forced a bunch of screw drivers between the head and the vc every few inches. Wiggle them around all at once and it broke free.

Also, be VERY careful when you bolt the vc back on, dsm valve covers are very brittle and break very easily.

Had the same problem thought i was going to snap the thing in too. Just stuck a flat head around all the places it could get to and worked it

Ok, I'll give both methods a try. Gonna get the mallet!

With all the bolts out, whack the cover on the edges with a rubber mallet to shock it loose, then pry it up . . .

The mallet has many pursuasive uses

I read (I think on here) about using two putty knives. Stick both putty knives in the area, between the VC and head, stacked on top of each other. Then stick a smaller screw driver in between the two putty knives that are already in there. And work your way around the VC like that. This method, is supposed to protect the head and VC.

I just hit it with a mallet

I wonder if it would work on a know-it-all teenager that lives in my house WTF

TALONTRAX said:

I wonder if it would work on a know-it-all teenager that lives in my house WTF

Click to expand...

The putty knives or the mallet?! j/k

Try never to pry against the head with anything you most likely damage it...try a rubber mallet...if that doesnt work get a BIGGER Hammer and use a wood block wrapped in a shop towel or something

Rubber mallet good for smart-alec teenagers & stuborn Dsm valve covers . . .

Mallet & sharp wooden stake good for Dsm owner`s wife & teenagers mother

You could try taking the oil cap off and getting a grip from the inside if all else fails. Then pull...like a man.

Dream On said:

You could try taking the oil cap off and getting a grip from the inside if all else fails. Then pull...like a man.

Click to expand...

Agreed.

Dream On said:

You could try taking the oil cap off and getting a grip from the inside if all else fails. Then pull...like a man.

Click to expand...

That was the first thing I tried and I failed miserably.

Anyway I got it off with the mallet and a small flathead. Worked like a charm.

Here are some pics, can you guys tell me if everything looks ok. The car runs good by the way.

Next time... just warm the car up before you start. Else you'll be investing in a new cover soon.

You might want to consider moving the oil changes up from 20,000 miles to 8,000.

Defiant said:

You might want to consider moving the oil changes up from 20,000 miles to 8,000.

Click to expand...

...and/or stop using Pennzoil

Defiant said:

You might want to consider moving the oil changes up from 20,000 miles to 8,000.

Click to expand...

Damn. It doesn't look like it had oil changes too often to me either.

BoostedinSoFla said:

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Click to expand...

Don't forget to take off that old head seal (aka the half moon seal) and replace it. You can just pick that up separately here or get the entire gasket kit here.

Defiant said:

You might want to consider moving the oil changes up from 20,000 miles to 8,000.

Click to expand...

Is that what would cause the discoloration? I was wondering about that myself, because when I took mine off everything is still shiny new aluminum color.

Defiant said:

You might want to consider moving the oil changes up from 20,000 miles to 8,000.

Click to expand...

The car has over 150, 000 miles, has been sitting for eight months, not sure how often the previous owner changed the oil, I've only put 30 miles on it, changed the oil and filter twice already....need I say more?

BoostedTalonTS said:

...and/or stop using Pennzoil

Click to expand...

Mobil 1 oil and filter for both oil changes.

DSMunknown said:

Don't forget to take off that old head seal (aka the half moon seal) and replace it. You can just pick that up separately here or get the entire gasket kit here.

Click to expand...

Thanks man but the Felpro gasket kit that I got from Advance Auto came with all that and only for $30.

does advanced auto parts keep them in stock or do you have to special order them from there. because i'm needing to do the same thing, except replace the whole vc and all gaskets because buddy who owned my car before me tightened the vc down too tight and cracked in 3 different spots. just very little cracks luckily, meaning i have to granny drive my car until i get alll my new vc stuff. =[