how to replace valve covergasket on a 1987 mercury grand marquis?

Answer 1

You may want to replace the intake manifold gaskets as well, if you are going to replace the valve gaskets. My guess would be that you are leaking engine oil, which do typically leak from the intake gaskets as well. From 1987 on up to 1991 models, Ford went to the SEFI (sequential electronic fuel injection) style fuel fuel delivery, therefore the illustrations and the instructions provided by the other guy may not be completely helpful. I would like to add, that on your application, you will need to remove the upper intake first, before you can gain access to the right side valve cover bolts anyway. If I remember correctly, there are six bolts in total securing the upper intake to the lower intake. Two short bolts at the front, another two more at the rear, and two long bolts underneath the 5.0L emblem that needs to be removed for access (four torx fasteners). Once the upper intake is removed, access to everything else should be self explanatory, including removal of the lower intake. I would suggest you purchase the gaskets from the Ford dealer parts department. They are an updated and improved design. And they are actually very inexpensive. Good luck.

Answer 2

Step by step instructions with a few pictures on how to replace the valve cover can be found here:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/10/2c/ca/0900823d80102cca.jsp

There are a wires and a few hoses to disconnect typically to remove the valve covers. I would advise you take digial pictures of your engine before you start incase during re-assembly you find a loose hose or wire. It just makes it easier if you know where things went.