To access the valve cover, begin by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Position the location of the spark plug wire clips, unclamp them from the valve cover studs, then pull off the spark plug wires and position out of the way. Relieve the servo linkage at the throttle body and, if necessary, remove the servo bracket for cruise control vehicles. To remove the left valve cover, first, take off the oil fill cap and the crankcase vent tube. To remove the right valve cover, move the air cleaner duct out of the way and take off the PCV valve. Remove the valve cover bolts or nuts and lift the cover away from the cylinder head. In the event that the cover is stuck, lightly bump one end with a wood block and hammer. Alternatively, try to break the gasket seal with a flexible putty knife without damaging the sealing surfaces. Before installing the cylinder head and valve cover, make sure their mating surfaces are clean. Use a gasket scraper to do this and clean with lacquer thinner or acetone. Wipe the mounting bolt threads clean and lightly oil them. Place the gaskets on the covers so that they are positioned correctly and if not, then place a bead of RTV. Place the cover on the cylinder head carefully. Similarly, install the bolts or nuts. Tighten them in three or four steps to the specified torque. But be careful not to over-tighten the plastic valve covers. Now that everything is on in your car, start the engine and look for oil leaks as it warms up.
