First Valve Adjustment Annoyances

[getluky]

So, in preparation for a very imminent smog test that I came close to failing last time, I decided to do my first valve adjustment. Unfortunately, I had to remove the catalytic converter + muffler to get the lower left valve cover off, and now i've got three exhaust gaskets which I know i'm supposed to replace (two on cat inlet, one on outlet), but don't really have the time right now. I just wanna get the valve adjust done, smog it, then take care of it later.

Is it possible to reuse the gaskets temporarily? Any potential major problems I should be wary of? Thanks,

Gordon

[john walker's workshop]

you don't take that stuff off to adjust valves. the gaskets can be reused if they look good.

[getluky]

Ok, thanks. Unfortunately, the lower left valve cover was being obstructed by the catalytic converter, so I didn't think I had a choice. It simply wouldn't clear the head studs.

[efhughes3]

My bet is that John has adjusted valves on more than a few '87's without removing the cat....

It is tight, I did one adjust back when I still had a cat, and you can work around it. I'm surprised you didn't post a bunch of profanity at having to remove the sucker-those old nuts and bolts can be a pain, and usually are!

[john walker's workshop]

Originally Posted by getluky

Ok, thanks. Unfortunately, the lower left valve cover was being obstructed by the catalytic converter, so I didn't think I had a choice. It simply wouldn't clear the head studs.

possibly it was bent inward then. next time loosen the muffler straps and pry it outward enough to get the cover off.

[kodioneill]

there is a great pelican tech article on this. take your time and have fun.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_valve_adjust/911_valve_adjust.htm