Valve Cover Gaskets: How to?
 

I searched the threads for em and found bits and pieces, but not a complete explanation on how to do it other than 'remove 3 coil packs' and 10 bolts, but I need more info as i'm less mechanically gifted than you all (Although i'm sure I can do it with proper instruction) If anyone can please help I would be eternally grateful: Can you give me a step by step procedure like those How-To documents? What is a coil pack and how do I remove it safely? What are some things I need to be very careful about? How do I remove/install the gaskets? Can I get a complete part # list?

I know that you remove 10 bolts or what not... But got confused as to exactly how to take out the gasket and how to secure the cover as you unbolt it (its a small space in there) Any tips and help will be appreciated!!!

I will be replacing the valve cover seals on AmazonParrot's SVX later this Spring and may do a How-To...but that obviosuly doesn't help you right now.

A quick and dirty how-to is as follows (going from memory as I no longer own an SVX):

(Note - I recommend that you change your oil immediately after doing the valve cover seals as dust, pollen, etc can get into your engine when replacing the seals. If you can, do the swap indoors)

1) Disconnect the battery and remove entirely

2) Remove the airbox, MAF and inlet tube

You'll now have a lot of room to work with on both sides...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/fil...etkd/27810.jpg

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/fil...etkd/27816.jpg

3) Unbolt the engine oil filler tube

4) Unbolt the three coil packs per side of the EG33 (get them out of the way)

5) Undo the ten bolts that hold each valve cover on

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/fil...etkd/31661.jpg

6) The valve cover should come right off, if not pry gently

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/fil...etkd/31664.jpg

7) Take the actual valve cover over to a bench and remove the three rubber seals - they're relatively easily to remove (one goes all around and the other two go around the middle area where the coil packs sit).

8) Take your new seals and replace. Note that the seals are specific to one side of the engine. Don't force the new seals down into the little grooves, but push them in there gently (if rubber is damaged during installation, seal will fail)

9) Replace valve covers and 10 bolts per side (someone chime in here with the torque specs on these bolts - I think it's around 10-14 ft-lbs)

10) Replace coil packs and oil filler tube

11) Replace air tube, MAF, airbox and battery

-Chike

These prices are from www.Subaruparts.com. Good prices and fast delivery.


Hope this helps for a parts list.

Steve

That's a very good quick how-to.....can we expect this to spill or trickle oil all over the place upon removing the covers...assuming we keep our engines in the car? I've never done one myself

Very little oil will drip. If you let the car cool down for 30 minutes before starting work - the oil will all be in the pan.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the hardest), I'd rate this job a 5. Trickiest part is maneuvering your wrench around to remove the valve cover bolts. It's actually easier to do the valve cover gasket job than to change the #6 spark plug! :p :rolleyes: ;)

I have done the right side rocker cover and all the spark plugs. The #5 plug was not that hard. See...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVX-FF/22711.jpg

The key is to have a good long flex head 3/8 ratchet. Once I had the air box and battery out of the way these are the only tools I used to change the spark plugs.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/SVX-FF/22712.jpg

Took only about 1 hour.

Steve

P.S. Now the # 6 was a little hard because you have to go thru the wheel house with a extension. a nice 10" works good, or a 3" and 6" work too.


***now fixed***

Steve,

We're talking about the same cylinder but you have your nomenclature mixed up for the cylinders. When facing the engine from the front of the car, they're labelled as follows:

5-6
3-4
1-2

-Chike

P.S. I did AmazonParrot's spark plugs two weekends ago and they took me ~2 hours. I also had to go through the wheelwell with an extension...

My bad Chike. I am got the American engine system still in my head. You are correct in the numbering sequence.

Although I am a little disappointed in you. All engine and car reference is done from the drivers seat, not the front of the car. :p

Steve

wow thanks so much everyone!!!!! i can offically attempt this now.

LOL! Very true...but that's how it was originally explained to me on the EG33, and I guess it got stuck that way. :p

I thought you were going to be disappointed that it took me 2 hours to do the spark plug job! :eek: :rolleyes: :D
No prob. Hope it helps! :)

In case anyone is interested, RockAuto sells a Corteco valve cover set with grommets for $58.79 + s/h. I've been ordering stuff from them and the Corteco stuff is high quality and fits perfectly.

If your grommets are hard as rock as mine were it's almost $40 + s/h to get them from Subaruparts.com. Add the cost of the other gaskets and the Corteco set is way cheaper.

No, we all have to start somewere. :D

I am interested in the fact that you pulled your motor out. How long did it take and why?

Steve

whoa thanks dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those were pics I took when Subafreak, TomsSVX and I were installing the first set of performance cams from Delta Cams into my former '96. I changed my valve cover seals while they busied themselves with the cams...

-Chike

Just another tip...

A racheting wrench helps a little bit on a few of the bolts.