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94_302
04-08-2010, 07:23 PM
So I've searched and read that the drivers side is easier but the passenger side is a pain. But you don't have to jack the engine up you can pull the wiper cowl assembly off. Is there anything major that needs to be removed to pull that valve cover? I know the pcv valve e.t.c. I'm hoping to tackle this after work tom. to replace the spark plug o ring on cylinder 4.

LeoVampire
04-08-2010, 07:33 PM
There is a pain in the butt wiring harness that can interfear that wraps around the cover.

And yes take the cowel assembly off as well.

Behind the head there is a metal bracket for that wiring harness you can unbolt that will allow you to move it out of the way which make's it a little easier but by a lot.

Also once you have it off there is a spot you should grind down that catches the cam shaft keepers.

19492

19493

Dennis Reinhart
04-08-2010, 08:00 PM
I have found the best way to do this is to pull the wiper assembly.

Blackened300a
04-09-2010, 03:44 AM
The entire wiper assembly has to be removed. The rest of the stuff is minor except the fuel line that goes into the rail. You will need a fuel line tool to remove the line. Its available at any parts store. Remove the shield from the EGR so you have enough clearance to roll the cover up and then out. The water hoses don't have to be removed and I didnt have too much issue with the wiring harness so no need to unbolt it from the head.
Take your time with it and make sure all 4 rubber rings that are under the cover are all accounted for. Sometimes they fall off and may be laying in the head.
Here's my install thread that goes into more detail of the install with pics.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=50526&highlight=cam+cover

94_302
04-09-2010, 04:34 PM
Well I just need to pull the wire clips that sit on top of the cam cover bolts, any suggestions on an easy way to do this?

Is the tool that you need to remove the gas line ford specific? How do you use the tool?

ImpalaSlayer
04-09-2010, 04:43 PM
Well I just need to pull the wire clips that sit on top of the cam cover bolts, any suggestions on an easy way to do this?

Is the tool that you need to remove the gas line ford specific? How do you use the tool?
this a pita job the first time you do it.

not sure what wire clips you are referring to. as for the gas line, i didnt use and thing but my hands and had zero problems with that. i had a harder time getting the cover its self off, everything else was child's play. there is about zero room for that bastard to wiggle outa there. also make sure you gring the lil nub in the corner down once you get it out, it will make it easier to put back on.

LeoVampire
04-09-2010, 04:48 PM
Well I just need to pull the wire clips that sit on top of the cam cover bolts, any suggestions on an easy way to do this?

Is the tool that you need to remove the gas line ford specific? How do you use the tool?

There are cheap sets you can buy that handle most cars out there for the disconection of high pressure fuel line's and more.

Any where from $10.00 to 25.00 usualy. Called high pressure line disconects if I remember right.

Here are the one's I have from sears only $10.00 Item# 00946337000 Model# 37000

http://s.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00946337000-1?hei=180&wid=180&op_sharpen=1&qlt=75 (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00946337000P?key word=fuel+line+tools)

ImpalaSlayer
04-09-2010, 04:56 PM
There are cheap sets you can buy that handle most cars out there for the disconection of high pressure fuel line's and more.

Any where from $10.00 to 25.00 usualy. Called high pressure line disconects if I remember right.

Here are the one's I have from sears only $10.00 Item# 00946337000 Model# 37000

http://s.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00946337000-1?hei=180&wid=180&op_sharpen=1&qlt=75 (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00946337000P?key word=fuel+line+tools)

have that same set, they work great. although i didn't use it when i pulled the valve cover

94_302
04-09-2010, 07:26 PM
I'm calling it a night that thing is not coming off. I don't even want to think about getting it back on once I get it off. I'm starting to think I should have taken the car to a shop.:shake:

ImpalaSlayer
04-09-2010, 07:28 PM
I'm calling it a night that thing is not coming off. I don't even want to think about getting it back on once I get it off. I'm starting to think I should have taken the car to a shop.:shake:

:laugh:

knew that was coming. the funny thing is, when you got to put it on, it will basically fall into place. its a real SOB of a job .

Blackened300a
04-09-2010, 07:28 PM
Its a huge PITA but keep on it. It will come out just keep trying.

LeoVampire
04-09-2010, 07:29 PM
I'm calling it a night that thing is not coming off. I don't even want to think about getting it back on once I get it off. I'm starting to think I should have taken the car to a shop.:shake:

Part of the reason it is making you nuts is the high spot that catches on the cam shaft keeper. So pulling it up against the AC box and a little effert is definatly needed.

Putting it back on is a lot easier once you grind that spot down in the corner.

ImpalaSlayer
04-09-2010, 07:30 PM
Its a huge PITA but keep on it. It will come out just keep trying.

i remember when you did yours, everyone that does this says the same thing.

94, how many new words did you make up?

TooManyFords
04-09-2010, 09:24 PM
I found the easiest way to swap valve covers was to take the body off the frame. No, seriously. There are only a dozen or so frame to body bolts. Just zip them loose and use a 4 by 4 on each side of the body right next to the frame and raise the body a couple inches. You can lift the body a good 6-8 inches without having to remove any wires, but you only need an inch or two. The valve covers have plenty of room with that and no swear words.

I will say that when I did this, I did cut a notch down the boards to match the body seam by the frame. It made for a better contact when lifting.

94_302
04-10-2010, 09:34 AM
Part of the reason it is making you nuts is the high spot that catches on the cam shaft keeper. So pulling it up against the AC box and a little effert is definatly needed.

Putting it back on is a lot easier once you grind that spot down in the corner.


The front pops off easy and I can raise the back end some but not enough to slide it to the right or anything like that. The AC box is the problem, I really don't see how it can be lifted high enough to slide to the right, tilted from the bottom up or anything like that. Can the AC box be removed without disconnecting any lines and messing that up?

Don't have the proper tools to jack the body up, that is an interesting approach though.

ImpalaSlayer
04-10-2010, 09:54 AM
The front pops off easy and I can raise the back end some but not enough to slide it to the right or anything like that. The AC box is the problem, I really don't see how it can be lifted high enough to slide to the right, tilted from the bottom up or anything like that. Can the AC box be removed without disconnecting any lines and messing that up?

Don't have the proper tools to jack the body up, that is an interesting approach though.

what you gotta do is grab the corner closest to the ac box and try to rotate the cover up and off of the motor.

Blackened300a
04-10-2010, 11:32 AM
What Dave said, thats really the only way I managed to get it out. If you were close by I would help you get through this.

94_302
04-10-2010, 11:39 AM
Got it off after about 10 minutes. I think I was being too gentle last night and there was not enough light to really see what was going on. Off to go get a dremel and some sealant.

Blackened300a
04-10-2010, 11:41 AM
Got it off after about 10 minutes. I think I was being too gentle last night and there was not enough light to really see what was going on. Off to go get a dremel and some sealant.

Glad to hear! It will drop in easier if you get the back lowerdown and then the front corner over the cam follower in first then slide the top. After a few tries, I think you'll get it in.

ImpalaSlayer
04-10-2010, 12:15 PM
Glad to hear! It will drop in easier if you get the back lowerdown and then the front corner over the cam follower in first then slide the top. After a few tries, I think you'll get it in.
after i ground down the nub in the corner and i went to put it back int, it slipped right into place. it really a slap in the face

94_302
04-10-2010, 06:14 PM
It's not going back on. Maybe I need to wait for more light tom. Started trying to install it when it was getting dark out. If I can't get it with more light I may just try to jack the engine up. Trying to put it back in is creating more swear words than taking it out cause I thought it would be easier. I ground that nub down too.

I feel like every time I try to wrench on this car it's a lot more difficult than it should be.:mad2:

DTUB
04-10-2010, 07:19 PM
I can't understand you guys and your valvecover issues,, mine practically fell off. :confused:

Blackened300a
04-10-2010, 07:48 PM
I feel like every time I try to wrench on this car it's a lot more difficult than it should be.:mad2:

You're not the only one. I work on other peoples cars with zero issues and everything falls into place. I work on my own car and I have nightmares and problems. I hate working on my own car. Ill install headers and anything else on anybody's car but my own. Im even nervous about swapping out my intake for the short runner one. I just fear the worst when I pull it apart.

ImpalaSlayer
04-11-2010, 09:06 AM
I can't understand you guys and your valvecover issues,, mine practically fell off. :confused:
was your engine in your car? lol

94_302
04-11-2010, 01:24 PM
I finally got it :eek::banana:

Everything is back together except for the wiper assembly and cowl. I'm going to wait for the RTV to have seal then start it tom. and make sure there are no leaks. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and tips. :beer:

LeoVampire
04-11-2010, 01:34 PM
I am glad you managed to do it! I was starting to wonder if you would be taking it to a shop instead.

Glad you got it done on your own! :beer: