Need Advice on valve cover removal 911E

[mcook]

Hello All,

I have leaking lower valve covers so I replaced the gaskets hoping this would cure the leaks. It did not, so I decided to use a gasket sealer along with the new gaskets, new nuts and washers. Still have leaks in the lower corners. So I bought turbo valve covers, new gaskets and now can't get the old valve covers off. The gasket sealer was a 3m product and stated it was safe for all types of gasket sealing. Aside from jamming a screw driver between the cover and head and compromising the surface area, does anyone have some sound advice other than "never use gasket sealers"? Car is 1969 911E.

Mike

[Winter]

Have you tried a good smack with a rubber hammer? Also some of my valve cover "leaks" was actually oil coming from someplace else, but migrating down to the lower covers. I was fooled by that for a while.

Good luck!

[timchar]

I know what you're going through... My cars po used glue on valve covers and it was very difficult to get not only valve covers off but, getting the old gaskets off took for ever. We finally used 3m adhesive remover all around cover and let sit.. then very firmly tap all around cover.. we used rubber mallot and a hard plastic like screw driver. Since you are putting new covers on, you can be more forceful. It's likely one area/ corner that's stuck. You also may be able to put something like small visegrip into holes and pry. Good luck, Tim

[silver_911]

Had the same issue with my chain housing covers once. The 3M stuff is really good :-(
Applying some heat with a hot air gun and a large screwdriver helped in the end. But be careful, those things can get too hot! Remove/protect all plastic things around.
Hope this helps,
jens

[Grady Clay]

Mike,

When you get the covers off, check the axial position and torque the bolts for the rocker arm shafts.
This requires a shortened Allen wrench and ¼“-drive torque wrench with a very ‘stubby’ Allen-socket.

These are a common leak if loose and/or have slid sideways – just prior to falling out.
This is part of often neglected regular maintenance.

Best,
Grady

[docrodg]

Try a wood dowel in one of the holes, give it a LITTLE leverage so you don't distort, and smack the nearest corner with a rubber mallet. Do with engine warm and it will come right off.

[mcook]

Okay, got some good advice on removal and some other good stuff to look for when I finally get in there. Will go for it after work this evening and update on what worked. Thank you all, Mike in Brentwood

[kodioneill]

Grady has it right, I find the shafts loose and in the wrong position all the time.
The upper valve covers will warp, make sure you check them. When the upper covers warp they leak oil down inside the cam housing making it appear as-though the lower covers are leaking.