valve cover install

[xpander343]

I pulled my passenger side valve cover with the motor still in the car about 6 months ago.  I've forgotten how I was able to get the stupid thing out when I went to reinstall it today.  I've got it almost all the way on, but Its catching on stuff for the last inch or two.   I remember having to bar the engine over to get the rockers out of the way to get it off, but I haven't moved the engine since then.   Any tips or suggestions? 

[Scoobum]

Grab a couple of beer. Zip tie the loom out of the way...and remove anything that's in the way. Heater hoses etc. I got pretty good at it when I ran tall valve covers.

[good2win22]

It's a tight fit with the heat shield in place on the HVAC. What works for me is tilting the front of the valve cover up and towards the throttle body then finesse it rearward till you clear the rockers. i usually put a small dab of RTV on the valve cover to hold the gasket in place while maneuvering the cover. Probably not a bad idea to grab another set of valve cover gaskets in the event you tear the gasket putting it on

[xpander343]

thanks guys,  It seems to be catching on the steel heater lines for me on the intake.  I might just drain the coolent, pull them off and try again.  I'll try to get this cover on in less time than brad takes to pull a motor in his car, or I'll just feel silly lol.

[reality]

  I think Dan said he can pull a motor in 1 hr by himself.














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[Scoobum]

Takes Dan and I an hour to pull one. He does the top work...we throw it up on stands...and I slide under and do the bottom work. We've got it down to a science.

The hard heater lines must be slightly bent. Rocker cover SHOULD come straight up and off...or just tilt it up a bit.

[daveismissing]

...and I slide under and do the bottom work.

Earl? There's a joke in there somewhere 
No one disputes the speed at which you guys operate.

[john robertson]

I eliminated the hard line heater plumbing years ago and in winter, just run heater hoses. Apparently, that's why I don't have any problem with removing or replacing the valve cover.

[xpander343]

well I followed everyone's advice.  I grabbed a beer, stared at the valve cover while drinking the beer, realized I'd spent the previous time trying to install the valve cover on backwards, cursed myself out, flipped it around and it popped on without an effort.  Thanks for everyone's help.   

[Scoobum]

Alcohol always helps...lol!