rlddlr53

So today I replaced both valve cover gaskets/spark plugs


Is it just me, or is it a known PITA to do?

arekux

its not too bad, takes patience and bloody knuckles, spark plugs are hardest part i think.

tw2

12 plugs is bad enough. The ones closest to the firewall in the V8 must be terrible.

rlddlr53

The driver side cylinder head, last 2 plugs were the hardest. Spent 20 min alone fighting the wires.

Having a swivel attachment for a ratchet helped me a lot

maverik259

how many miles on her?

rlddlr53

117k

ghiaguy

I seem to have a leak exclusively on the passenger side. Is it terrible to want to just replace the valve cover gasket on one cyl bank?

tw2

Yes its terrible I would do them both, if they are like the C32 then there will be plugged up breather valves and hoses covered in gunk. You will get covered in crap cleaning them anyway so might as well do the other side. It might start leaking in a month.

ghiaguy

yeah, I guess that makes good sense- I guess Ill start wearing both shoes too...
Thanks!

CerBErusM113

Took me 4 hours due to lack of quality tools but after a few firewall cuts and a lot of sweat I finally got all 16 plugs and wires. Switched over to the magnecor kv85s. I do have a couple of questions though I know oil on the plugs is a horrible sign like cylinder rings going in the engine, my question, is there anything I can do for that? I mean short of a full engine rebuild? Also I dropped in some Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner. It seemed like it was running great then a few miles after cruising it felt a little down on power, could just be my imagination but is that normal? Thanks in advance for any help.

Duncan64

i'm going to do a full service on my car since I bought it used with 70K miles on it. I'm looking around and not being too familiar with it, all the sites only list a left valve cover? Is the left and right exactly the same... should I just get two lefts?

Saaboteur

They are different side to side. Have you tried AutohausAZ for parts? Great resource.

ghiaguy

How do you like those wires?

Saaboteur

I know the question wasn't directed at me, but I've used Magnecores before and I didn't like them. They broke apart after some time - okay, this was on my highly modified Saab Turbo, but I see nothing wrong with OE quality like Beru, NGK or Bosch for a stock engine. I put Berus on my C55 when I did the wires, plus and valve cover gaskets over the summer. Price is a consideration though, I think the Magnecores are a bit cheaper than the Beru or NGK wires.

BTW, good price on the spark plug boot remover tool:

http://www.kochtools.com/index.php?p=product&id=22

I was going to buy one, but then I just used my angle grinder and cut open the box end wrench of a very cheap angled box wrench. I think I paid about $10 for the whole set of those cheap angled, box end wrenches.

CerBErusM113

They're not bad, I detected less throttle input to pass traffic, not that it took much before but the car just feels like its more willing to rev. Although when you get the engine hot, it feels like there is some power loss, a slight bit more than previously, but then again that may just be in my head you know.

Duncan64

Ah yes thank you very much. AutohausAZ is where i got most of my parts. I'll go back and get the right side.

Here's what I got so far... please let me know if you think i need to replace anything else.


1. 1 1130160221 Valve Cover Gasket; Left
2. 2 1131410980 Intake Manifold Gasket
3. 1 1804 Antifreeze/Coolant; Radiator Flush;; 300ml Can
4. 2 2240701 Engine/Motor Mount
5. 1 Q1030004 Antifreeze/Coolant; Antifreeze; Blue, 1 Gallon
6. 16 NGK3764-EA Spark Plug - BKR6EIX-11
7. 1 S57078-EA WIX 57078 Oil Filter
8. 9 AZOQT-EA Synthetic 0W30 Signature Oil (AMSOIL)
9. 1 FLSHCN-EA Engine & Transmission Flush
10. 1 W0133-1717255 Bremi Spark Plug Wire Set
11. 1 spark plug boot remover tool *updated
12. 1 Right valve cover gasket. * updated

I'm thinking i should get a new alternator as well, because as i was reversing into my garage yesterday... i saw the reverse lights in the wall's reflection dimming in and out pretty badly as the car idles in Reverse with my foot on the brake inching backwards.

ghiaguy

Thanks for the input guys, I figure I might as well go for plugs and wires while I have the valve covers off. That plug tool is a gem

Saaboteur

Going to have some fun wrenching on the car, eh?

If you are going to open up the intake manifold, perhaps you should also get the injectors cleaned, so that would lead to new gaskets for them too.

But also, with the manifold removed, you should have a lot more space to get at the crank position sensor too. Also could take the opportunity to replace the throttle body and MAF sensor housing gaskets.