Stupid Valve Cover

[BoostedinSoFla]

I'm in the process of changing my vc gasket and this stupid vc won't come off. I removed all bolts and tried to pry it from the head with a good size flathead screwdriver and the damn thing wont budge. I really dont want to mess up my head or vc. What the hell do I do? I've changed my vc gasket quite a few times on my old GS and I never had this problem.

 

[sirsol66]

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.

 

[schoffs4]

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

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

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

 

[TALONTRAX]

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

 

[KiNg MaRtY]

The mallet has many pursuasive uses

 

[kmoore]

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

 

[TALONTRAX]

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

 

[dikdiamond]

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

The putty knives or the mallet?! j/k

 

[wcpierson]

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

 

[TALONTRAX]

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

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

 

[Dream On]

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

 

[Mack]

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

Agreed.

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

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

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

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

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.

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[No_Skillz]

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

 

[Defiant]

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

 

[BoostedTalonTS]

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

...and/or stop using Pennzoil

 

[Dream On]

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

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

 

[DSMunknown]

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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.

 

[zero97tsi]

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

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.

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

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

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?

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

...and/or stop using Pennzoil

Mobil 1 oil and filter for both oil changes.

 

[BoostedinSoFla]

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.

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

 

[FL_TalonTsi]

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. =[