Valve Cover Gaskets???

[snoborder42]

I've had an oil leak since I bought the expo and it has gotten progressively worse since. I've narrowed it down the valve covers, I've got smoke and it smells like burning oil. I finally think that I will tackle this problem seeing how both my dad and I have nothing to do until after new years. I searched on here for a write up and came up empty.

So my question is... Is this something that 2 semi mechanically inclined people can do with basic tools?

I did find that the cork gaskets are okay but these ones are better.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=FEL&mfrpartnumber=VS50368T&parttype=107&ptset=A

Am I correct?

If I do decide to have the stealership do this, anybody have an idea as to what it will cost me?

 

[shamaal]

Yes, I believe the ones in the posting are better. I use a similar set made by Felpro.

Changing the valve cover gaskets are a snap for the reasonably mechanically inclined. The only special tools are a deep 10mm socket to get the corner studs off and a torque wrench. Be prepared to get dirty, buy some degreaser and go at it. Get yourself a Haynes, and ask questions.

 

[dogfriend]

Yep, the ones in the link look better than the cork ones. I replaced the cork ones on my 2.9L Ranger twice and even though I was careful to torque correctly, the cork ones ended up leaking again after a few 1000 miles.

 

[snoborder42]

I don't have a Haynes or Chiltons but I do have a CD that is basically the same thing and I have a decent set of sockets too. I am willing to attempt this but seeing how I will be using my dads garage and tools it is up to him to make the final call. Now all I need to do is convince him that it isn't a hard job and convince my buddy to let me borrow his torque wrench. :

 

[snoborder42]

Also... If anybody has any tricks, tips, etc let me know. I really have no idea how difficult this process is.

And if anybody happens to know of a writeup on this please point me in the right direction. I searched for a bit and came up with nothin.

 

[dogfriend]

I haven't seen a writeup on it, but really the most difficult part of it is keeping track of all the stuff you need to remove to get clear access. Especially on the driver's side with the EGR sensors, etc. One tip would be to use a digital camera to take pics so that you can remember where everything goes, if you are worried about it. The only other tip is to be careful when removing the covers because they are going to be stuck, but you must be careful not to bend them if you have to resort to the BFH to get them free.

I haven't done it on the 4.0, but I replaced them twice on my 2.9L Ranger which was very similar.

 

[StillKicken]

Make sure you put the intake manifold back on the correct way! One reason to have a manual. You have to go around a nd torque them in a specific order. Then go around and torque them again!

Be CAREFUL with the canister purge solenoid. The hose going from the carbon canister to the purge solenoid to the throttle body is rigid. It looks likes a rubber hose, but has a rigid peice of plastic in it. Broke mine not realizing till too late when I did my valve covers.

And to reiterate what dogfriend said. Rermember where everything goes!!!

Good Luck!!

 

[Tony H]

Tell your dad that it'snot nearly as easy as a 70's 80's Car.

There is so much crap to take off just to get to it, not hard but it's discouraging. I believe the intake Plenum has to come off and the Bracket and Ignition Coil Pack has to come off. Pretty silly just to throw some Valve cover gaskets on.

 

[Oldman]

Your first step should be a Haynes Manual. I have done this job on a Ranger with a 2.9 many times and it was a piece of cake compared to my 92 and 93 Sports. The coil pack, a/c compressor, and intake really need to come off to get good access to the covers. The main problem I have come across is the where the head and intake manifold join together. YOU MUST CLEAN THIS JOINT AND PUT NEW SEALANT ON OR ALL THIS WORK WILL BE DOWN THE DRAIN. I did one on a 2.9 and it was leaking again after a short amount of time on the passenger side cover on the back side. Pulled it off, changed the gasket again and it still leaked! Last resort, I read a manual and it stated to put new sealant in this joint. Did it and it never leaked again.

Hope this helps,

 

[schroader]

beleave it or not it can be done without pulling the intake. IT IS NOT EASY, but I did do it.

Schroader

 

[shamaal]

I believe the consensus is get a manual, Haynes is what I have and the job is tedious removing stuff to get at the covers.

No special skills required, just attention to detail. If you're going to make this a habit, buy a torque wrench. You want inch-pounds for this task. More major work requires foot-pounds.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.