Separating Upper Valve Covers from heads?

[GrantG]

Hi - first time valve adjust here and I have removed all the nuts (assuming there are only 6 on each side) from the upper valve cover and the thing feels really bonded on. How can I remove it without damaging any metal surfaces? I'm tempted to shove a screwdriver or scraper in there, but don't want to do any harm. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[ben parrish]

Try sticking your finger inside the hole for the spark plug and pull up. P/O may have used some sort of sealant.
Good luck,
Ben

[GrantG]

Originally posted by ben parrish
Try sticking your finger inside the hole for the spark plug and pull up. P/O may have used some sort of sealant.
Good luck,
Ben

Yep, I tried that but no real progress. Is it easy to do damage with a spackle applicator/scraper, do you think?

[DaveE]

If you do it, try to stay on the cover side of the gasket. It'll be much easier to repair any damage to the cover than to the cam towers. That said I'd still try to avoid prying. That's soft metal. Maybe tapping on it for a little will free it up.

[Scott R]

The first time I had to remove mine they were stuck just like you describe. I used a rubber mallet and smacked the covers a few times and the loosened up.

[GrantG]

Thanks guys!

[Gunter]

Try a dull dinner-knife with a round edge, not a scraper.
Or make up a hooking devise for the plug-holes and connect it to a bar, then pull up.
Clean the covers and check them for straightness:
On a plate-glass, put some very fine emery and move the covers over the sandpaper/glass.
When installing the new gaskets, cover them on both sides with anti-seize lube so they won't stick the next time.