sm123

Inspired by fellow DIYers, I took on to change the Right side Valve cover gasket. After extensive research was able to dismantle and took out the valve cover. Now I cannot put it back. It won't seat (spend 3-4 hours installing). This is what I observe
- there is hardly any space
- When I put back the cover it seems to set in ok, yet I can see a 1/4 inch gap between the spark plug tube and valve cover (i checked the other side, it was flush)
- the top part sits properly with the fasterners nicely tightining but the bottom 4 fasterners (the smaller ones) wont even start, there is 1/4-1/2 inch gap between the bottom of the cover and engine block
- i forced down the ac line and other obstructions, so it could not be due to any cables, even gently hammered with a mallet. the bottom part wont seat nor the plug tubes (greased it enough)

what could this be. given there is hardly any space to bolt the bottom fastener not sure what i can do. any help?????

i will get a thorough shafting if take it to the dealer in this shape.

turboawd

get a bigger hammer!

sm123

Serous? Won't break anything? Covers are plastic.

turboawd

sorry bro, just joking. i've never done v8 covers myself, but have read they are a pain. did you make sure the seals were seated well? removed all old seals?

turboawd

theres a couple pointers mentioned in this thread.

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...stions-128229/

sm123

I think the gap is due to seal tubes not inserting properly in the valve cover. I dont think there is any other obstruction, the gasket is seating ok (put some silicone to hold it)...the cover comes very close to a AC line, but I was able to push it down to create a tad piece of space. Rest I don't know.....Not giving up. Will try again again this weekend..have ordered a TITE reach wrench...I am hoping it will help when I am able to put this back on.
any other inputs from the experts will be appreciated

sm123

Ended up towing to my indy ((.
He is recommending a new valve cover (he is confident that the valve cover plastic warps and that what is causing it not to seat properly).

turboawd

that sucks..

H F

It might be too late ..But if the sleeves around the spark plug tubes are not set correctly it wil stop the valve cover from seating all the way down . Don't think you need a new valve cover ..

sm123

hi HF, I tried to finagle the sleeves into inserting....remember there is not much space, and you have a oregami like eccentric shaft sensor jetting out ready to break. Even called my wife to help me out...((.