[Syty] Valve-Cover Gaskets...?

[Gary H]

Dave Goodhue wrote:
>
>
> On 6/30/07, *DOlivares* <seravilo at netzero.net 
> <mailto:seravilo at netzero.net>> wrote:
>
>     Funny, your message hit just as I was doing some last-minute
>     research on that very project!  Without back-up transportation, I
>     have to make sure I can start early enough to get done before
>     sundown and assuming I can get a break from the regular rainfall
>     we've been getting.
>      
>     I thought I had all my parts and tools lined up for the job, but
>     now as I review the tech-manual I'm wondering about the GASKET for
>     the valve cover.
>      
>     Traditional American motors up through the mid-80s use cheesy
>     gaskets that cook onto the heads and usually come apart upon
>     removal after a number of years; however, I was delighted to find
>     the *embedded-type plastic gasket* on my '89 Trans Am heads.  You
>     don't even have to be that careful removing the cover; the gasket
>     remains fixed and resilient in its channel.  * Will the Syclone
>     valve covers be the same*, or do I need to order up a new set of
>     gaskets before I get those covers off?  The Great Unknown! 
>     *Anybody out there with the answer? *
>      
>     You can see my anxiety.  If I hadn't been unpleasantly SURPRISED
>     so many times in the past by such little, petty crap that grinds
>     everything to a halt I wouldn't be such a conservative fuddy-duddy
>     today....
>      
>     I've also got some shortcuts in mind for this job... I hardly ever
>     do anything by the book anymore.  Most of those procedures are
>     written for the paranoid.  I'll try to keep up the record of what
>     I end up doing....
>      
>     D.O.
>
>  
> The gaskets are rubber, that are supose to stick into the grove.  
> However, the first time I did the valve cover without having the top 
> end of the motor they kept falling out.  I tried a new set of gasket 
> without any luck (like a couple hours of cursing), I ended up redo 
> them becuase they were leaking.  I ended up using 4 of those metal 
> binder clips to hold the valve cover gaskets in place until got the 
> valve covers in place.  It worked great. 
>  
> I think I bought something like this.
>  
> http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&prodCatType=0&catalogId=10051&productId=143830&cmArea=SEARCH 
> <http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&prodCatType=0&catalogId=10051&productId=143830&cmArea=SEARCH>
>  
> To get the valve covers off they are pretty easy, driverside is harder 
> to do, the back nut on the MAP/EGR Solenoid, Coil, is a little 
> challenging if you don't want to pull the upper intake or distributor 
> off, but its do able.  You need to remove one of the Alternator bolts 
> as well.  Passenger side is basically the Upper IC.
>  
> As for doing the valve stem seals, I did mine with the top end apart, 
> but I am pretty sure I could do them with the valve covers off.  I was 
> able to adjust the valve with the engine running a short carboard 
> shield to keep splashing off the engine (make sure its warmed up 
> first).  I was worried I didn't adjust them properly following the 
> comp cams article about finding zero lash, but I had. 
>  
> For the valve seals I would do it with an air compressor, spark plug 
> air fitting, and spring compressor.   I tried the 'rope trick' to hold 
> up the valves. It was no trick it took way to much time. The time it 
> took me to do #1 cylinder with rope I did 2-6 with an air compressor.  
> For doing the seals themselves, myclone responded to me with a perfect 
> description on how to do them.  #5 was a little tight for the spring 
> compressor with the brake booster in the way, I had used a stamp steel 
> spring compressor that my father bought in the 60's.
>  
> http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11752
>  
> I used the comp cams website for finding zero lash, I think I did my 
> valve with 1/2 turn of preload.  I did them with the engine running as 
> well, it wasn't that hard either.
Here's another good thread about valve seals.  It appears that on some 
(maybe most?) sy/ty engines, valve seals don't come on the exhaust 
side.  There are o-rings instead.
You can replace the o-rings with hi-temp valve seals.  Waiting for 
Sy2455 to reply with the part #.
Gary
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