How hard is it to change valve cover gasket on a 1986 ford bronco w/ fuel injection?

Question

I'm not a mechanic and can't afford one so I'm thinking of doing it myself.

also want/ need to change the gasket on the thermalstate

more details: its fuel injection, is it easy to remove all that in order to get to the valve covers and thermalstat... please HELP!

Answer 1

That's one of the simpler jobs on an engine.

Things you'll need:
1) Gasket set.

2) Small putty knife, or scraper. (to remove old gasket material)

3) Spray cleaner. (to clean the oil off everything)

4)"High-tack" or "copper coat", spray on gasket adhesive. (to hold the gasket in place durring assembly)

5) Small socket set. (to remove the bolts)

6) small stiff wire brush (handy to have for the small gasket pieces stuck to valve covers)

7) A roll of paper towels. (just a good idea)

Remove the air cleaner and housing. (completely)

Remove the valve cover bolts.

Remove the valve covers. Sometimes they can get stuck to the head from years of heat and pressure and don't like to come off easily.

Clean all the hard, crusty gasket material from both surfaces.

Clean ALL the oil from the rim of the valve covers.

Place your gaskets on the box they came in with the side that goes to the valve cover facing up.

Spray the valve cover mating surface, and the gaskets with spray adhesive. (let it dry 10 minutes or so untill it's tacky)

Place the gaskets on the valve covers.

Reassemble. Don't over tighten the bolts on the valve covers.
They should be pretty snug, not real tight.

Some people recommend using silicone adhesive. Ignore them.

T-stat too? NOT JUST THE GASKET.

Drain most of your coolant into a bucket.
Remove upper radiator hose from the engine. (Some times they like to stick)
Remove the two bolts.
Scrape the old gasket off.
Use that brand new wire brush you bought to clean off the old gasket and corrosion
Install thermostat (heavy end down), install gasket, reassemble, and refill.

Answer 2

on the v-8 ford you have to remove the fuel injection plenum system in able to change one of the 2 valve cover gaskets. it is fairly simple. if you purchase a repair manual(about 20 bucks) I think you could probably do it. I would also recommend a roll of masking tape and a black sharpie so you can label any hoses and wires just so you don't have to worry about hooking them up wrong.

Answer 3

Its pretty easy. I changed mine out and I have a 2005 GMC Sierra. I m sure it would be even easier on an older vehicle. You can save about $100 - $200 if you do it yourself, depending on how bad the mechanic wants to stick it to you.

Its not the easiest task if you have never tried it before. I would suggest being very careful and numbering your spark plugs, plug wires, and even your bolts so you know the exact order. When you get the part you should inquire about any extra parts or supplies you may need such as RTV silicon sealant.

I tried to find a good guide for you but couldn't. Sorry.

Answer 4

If you have an inch of mechanical Knowledge you will be fine. Getting the sealing surface clean on the head is the only thing. Its a little confined to get a puttyknife-scrapper in there. I use a razor blade but be careful!!!

You can easily do it!!! Use permatex silicone on paper, or cork gaskets but not on rubber ones!

Answer 5

if its the 2.8 or 2.9 v6 the passenger side is a pain the ac gets in the way.if its a 4cyl its easy just make sure you dont get any junk inside the motor when you remove the cover and gasket.if it is a v8 its reall easy.too.

Answer 6

all mr know it said...but the hard part is getting to the covers...go slow tske notes, put tags on parts as removed, take pictures of where things go..get some coffee cans for nuts& bolts.. Book tine is about 1 hour...expect all day.... 6 to 10 beer job.. dont losten hoses or AC lines...losten units and try to swing them out of way...tie them with bungee cords.