420A Valve cover gasket

[DSMsaint]

I need help, its my first time ever doing this on a car so i need a walk through of how to get the valve cover gasket off and replace it

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[Kryndon]

It goes something like this buddy:

1. Remove spark plug wires
2. Remove coil pack
3. Remove PCV hose
4. Loosen valve cover bolts gradually in a star pattern (prevents warpage and cracks)
5. Carefully use a clean razor blade to remove the old silicone on the surface, trying not to push any silicone bits down into the head or galleys.
6. Use some sort of degreaser (or acetone) on the surface as well as a toothbrush inside the cavity on the cover itself where the gasket lies into.
7. Install new gasket as per factory service manual. I don't know how it is for the 420a but I would assume similar to 4G63: light dabs of grey RTV on corner of cam caps and around bolts.
(Personally the OEM method DOES NOT work for me on any car I've done it so I apply a thin later of RTV all around the flat area, then install the gasket)
8. Put on valve cover and tighten bolts GRADUALLY in a STAR PATTERN until snug.
9. Install the other stuff you removed.
10. Wait 3-4 hours so it cures, then go for a drive and inspect for leaks.

 

[DSMsaint]

It goes something like this buddy:

1. Remove spark plug wires
2. Remove coil pack
3. Remove PCV hose
4. Loosen valve cover bolts gradually in a star pattern (prevents warpage and cracks)
5. Carefully use a clean razor blade to remove the old silicone on the surface, trying not to push any silicone bits down into the head or galleys.
6. Use some sort of degreaser (or acetone) on the surface as well as a toothbrush inside the cavity on the cover itself where the gasket lies into.
7. Install new gasket as per factory service manual. I don't know how it is for the 420a but I would assume similar to 4G63: light dabs of grey RTV on corner of cam caps and around bolts.
(Personally the OEM method DOES NOT work for me on any car I've done it so I apply a thin later of RTV all around the flat area, then install the gasket)
8. Put on valve cover and tighten bolts GRADUALLY in a STAR PATTERN until snug.
9. Install the other stuff you removed.
10. Wait 3-4 hours so it cures, then go for a drive and inspect for leaks.

Can you show me where the first 3 steps are located? and if possible where could i find parts for a 420a

 

[Kryndon]

Can you show me where the first 3 steps are located? and if possible where could i find parts for a 420a

Here you go, hope this helps. It should be fairly straight forward. You'll need maybe a 10mm socket and ratchet, some hose clip pliers and maybe a screwdriver.

EDIT: Come to think of it, you may not need to remove the coil pack, it seems to be mounted on the valve cover itself? Maybe a more knowledgeable 420a owner can chime in here.

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[BLACK'98DSM]

The coil pack does need to be removed. There's a valve cover bolt underneath it. Also you'll need a deep 8mm socket due to the studs on the corner bolts for wiring harness. And make sure you buy new grommets as well. Those can't be re-used.

 

[DSMsaint]

The coil pack does need to be removed. There's a valve cover bolt underneath it. Also you'll need a deep 8mm socket due to the studs on the corner bolts for wiring harness. And make sure you buy new grommets as well. Those can't be re-used.

where can i find parts for my 420a ?

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

If you're in a hurry, most autoparts stores should have them in stock since they're shared with the Neons. But I usually get mine from RockAuto because they are significantly cheaper for the same parts (Fel-Pro $34 @ Autozone & Fel-Pro $12 @ RockAuto).