Getting the Valve Cover off

[Gunter]

I've been trying to get my VC off because it appears that it was leaking and so i'm going to replace the gasket except i can't get the thing off, i've tried everything while still being careful not to crack it, i've tried hitting it with a mallet, pulling on it, i've tried taping in a plastic peice between the block and the VC but it only shredded the plastic. I'm getting super frustrated here. And yes i'm quite positive i've taken out all the bolts. So is there any trick anyone uses?

 

[xrobbx03]

dont mean to hijack the thread but i was also wanted to know the easiest way since mine seems to be leaking also.

 

[fredom dsm]

You two probably still have a bolt or two, take the timing belt cover off the one on top of the valve cover there are like two or three bolts on there I think, also dont forget to look really good under the spark plug cover.

Hope this helps!

 

[diablos991]

I used a flat head screwdriver and CAREFULLY pried mine up to break the seal, and then tapped it with a rubber mallet.

 

[Gunter]

I'm positive all the bolts are out, i have the upper timing belt cover off anyways because i'm going to be changing the timing belt once i finish this. There isn't any under the timing belt cover though, just the bolts that were holding the cover on which are off. I have all the bolts under the spark plug cover off too.

I used a flat head screwdriver and CAREFULLY pried mine up to break the seal, and then tapped it with a rubber mallet.

I heard about doing this but i'm scared to be prying it with anything metal, i'll be super careful and give it a shot though.

BTW no worries about hijacking the thread

 

[andymoraitis]

Typically, there's RTV around the cam seals and also around the CAS so you need to pry it off gently. Slipping a small flathead in there is common practice. It sounds like you're going to be very ginger with it so don't worry. A bit of prying and she'll come right off.

Good luck (and don't forget to disconnect the PCV),

Andy

 

[fredom dsm]

do you have a rubber mallet? do it like the other guy said, or hit the VC on al four corners until it moves. I dont know what else to tell you. good luck!

 

[mra4886]

I took mine off by tapiing a flat head screwdriver inbtween the valvecover and the head, then once i pried it up alittle bit i pulled from in the spark plug holes to, then it just popped off. Hope this helps and you get your valvecover off.