Oil Leak / Half Moon check - Valve cover removal

[hikinout]

Valve cover removal - Oil Leak / Half Moon check

Hey guys,

I know there are a bunch of threads about this, but they all seem to start with a knowledge base I don't have. I can change oil and install a stereo, but beyond that I'm a total newbie. (thanks by the way for everyone on here who posts such good info!)

Problem: I have an oil leak in my 86' 22re 5spd. After reading posts, doing some power washing and some basic diagnosis, I'm thinking it's the rear half moon seal. At least, I hope so....

My question is, if I'm just replacing / checking the half moon seals, do I need to worry about a valve adjustment? By taking the cover off have I automatically opened that can of worms? Is this really as easy as unplugging, unbolting and taking it off?

I should mention that the valves, timing chain, gasket and hoses were all replaced shortly before I bought it.

Thanks guys.

 

[KidVermicious]

It really is that easy. Disconnect all the vacuum hoses and wires that cross the valve cover. Label them with tags or something so you know what goes where - I use a white paint pen and scribble all over my engine bay . Then the four valve cover nuts, and you might have to do some wiggling to get the valve cover out from under the heater lines on the firewall.

If you're feeling jiggy, take the valve cover in for a cleaning to make sure there's no gunk up inside the baffles. Then you can paint it if you want, or don't. You'll want a new valve cover gasket, new cam shaft seals, a tube of black FIPG or Permatex Right Stuff to seal them, and you might want to think about new valve cover nut grommets if the ones you've got are cracked or falling apart.

Do not over tighten the nuts when replacing the cover, or you can warp it and cause more leaks, or even worse pull your valve train out of shape. I go half a turn past finger tight.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Label them with tags or something so you know what goes where - I use a white paint pen and scribble all over my engine bay .

I'll add to that - TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! Helps a lot when trying to plug back all the vacuum lines.

Doing the valve cover gasket is an easy wrenching job. Just make sure that both of the gasket surfaces are good and clean to insure a good seal.

:yo:

 

[hikinout]

Thanks a ton guys! That's just what I wanted to hear.

I'll need those pictures and white paint pens for sure!

 

[hikinout]

Done and the car still seems to run. I'll be checking on the leak in the days to come. Thanks again!