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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: robertbrann18 on December 30, 2016, 10:04:16 AM

Title: Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
Post by: robertbrann18 on December 30, 2016, 10:04:16 AM
I have a 1974 Ford Pinto Trunk Model 2.3L. My old valve cover gasket was made out of cork and has deteriorated badly. Oil leaks all over the place and needs to be replaced. I just bought a rubber one and I am in the process of changing it. I was wondering, if I would have to take out the camshaft and/or timing chain to reach it or if there is another way around it? What is the easiest way to getting to changing the valve cover gasket?
Title: Re: Valve COver Gasket Replacement
Post by: dick1172762 on December 30, 2016, 10:38:45 AM
Easy to fix. Take the spark plug wires loose at the spark plugs and get them out of the way. Then remove the bolts that hold the cover down. Then remove the cover/clean it/replace the gasket/ remount the valve cover/tighten the cover bolts/ reinstall the plug wires and your done. Make sure you don't over tighten the cover bolts. If you've got a Fel Pro rubber gasket you can't over tighten them.
Title: Re: Valve COver Gasket Replacement
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on December 30, 2016, 10:42:51 AM
Take longer to clean everything up than to change the gasket, lol..
Title: Re: Valve COver Gasket Replacement
Post by: dick1172762 on January 02, 2017, 09:34:07 AM
 Use the new type Fel Pro rubber/plastic cover gasket. Its blue in color and can not be over tighten. Will not leak and will out live the car. They also make a pan gasket the same way. GOOD STUFF. I use them on race cars where the valve cover is removed every week and they like a Time x just keep on ticking.
Title: Re: Valve COver Gasket Replacement
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on January 02, 2017, 01:59:37 PM
Wish they would have came out with those 40yrs ago, lol..
Title: Re: Valve COver Gasket Replacement
Post by: robertbrann18 on January 03, 2017, 11:46:13 AM
After replacing the valve cover gasket, I ran into a problem. As I was tightening one of the bolts, it broke in hale. Now, the screw is stuck.
Title: Re: Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on January 04, 2017, 07:01:38 AM
If it's broke flush with the head(I'm sure it is)try working it out with a small punch, if that don't work drill it and use an easy-out.