Doing Valve Covers Few Questions

[RC2]

1) So today I started the arduous and daunting task of replacing these things. Electrical Connectors are brittle broke 1 keeper leg on three connectors including an alternator connector, main wire. Anyone think putting a thin coat of blue silicone around male connector would help ?
2) I was in such a mood to dive into this I did not degrease the motor. Do u degrease with all the electrical connectors plugged in or do you cover those with something? I got the alternator side mostly ready, realized that I would probably end up breaking more connectors on the injectors if I did not remove the throttle body, that is off now and I have a dishtowel covering up the intake area. I have nightmares of dropping a bolt down one of those holes. I did not take pictures and did not label anything eek what a mess of wires and vacuum tubes. I was hoping now to degrease after I get the new covers on.
3) Do you just reuse the upper intake gaskets? The old ones seem to be part of the engine now , like fuse into the darn thing.
4) How hard are the injectors to replace since I have this apart? The fuel rail etc etc seems like a job and a half.
5) Anyone got pics in case I can't figure out where stuff goes back?
6) On the air conditioning side do you have to remove the hoses? It looks like just getting the pump off maybe it could be swung out of the way.

Wish me luck. Any pointers appreciated. the hardest thing I did today was that stupid little nut on the back of the throttle body that holds a bracket for the air conditioning line. after removing I saw it was slotted.

 

[superj]

Do not disconnect the ac lines. I would degreaee with everything connected but you are past that part so now, I would just wait till done.

 

[RC2]

Do not disconnect the ac lines. I would degreaee with everything connected but you are past that part so now, I would just wait till done.

thanks

 

[RC2]

I guess i took off more than the throttle body some kind of intake 3 gaskets need replaced they look tough to get off. Upper intake. The old gaskets look like they are stuck on really good. waiting on a haynes manual. just got this vehicle

 

[Jazzer]

All new gaskets needed, sorry, or you'll be chasing problems later. A razor scraper in one hand and shop vac in the other will help with the old gasket removal.

-Jazzer

 

[RC2]

All new gaskets needed, sorry, or you'll be chasing problems later. A razor scraper in one hand and shop vac in the other will help with the old gasket removal.

-Jazzer

Shop vac. Thanks I was wondering how to keep the stuff from falling in. Awesome. I was poking around online and saw the razor thing already.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Ok, so…

Unfortunately breaking the clips on the plugs is common. Most plugs hold together pretty well without the clips and replacement plugs with pigtails are available for the most important ones. I would use a zip tie or wrap good electrical tape (like 3m super 33 tape) around the plug. Silicone may make the plug hard to get apart in the future.

Degreasing should be first or last step. I usually don’t bother but maybe someday. It’s not exactly a convenient thing for me to do with not having a garage.

I pretty much never label anything anymore but I’ve had these apart more than I’d like to. Most of the stuff only fits to one place.

I stuff clean shop rags into the holes while I’m working. Be careful using a scraper or razor blade on the intakes, you want to scrape off the gaskets but not gouge up the aluminum. Small scratches aren’t the end of the world, you just want to be a little cautious. Always use new gaskets. In a pinch I’ve put a film of RTV on the old gasket but always replace them when possible. A bad seal on the intake means a vacuum leak that can cause headaches.

I usually don’t worry too much about injectors, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to clean them. They are tightly secured with O rings. Takes a bit to pull them apart and the o rings should be replaced if separated. If you do pull the injectors, I think it’s sixtyfiveford on YouTube that has a good video on cleaning injectors.

I’m sure we can help figure out any issues.

Don’t remove an AC hoses. I want to say it can be done without moving the pump, but I have unbolted the pump and moved it out of the way.

 

[RC2]

Ok, so…

Unfortunately breaking the clips on the plugs is common. Most plugs hold together pretty well without the clips and replacement plugs with pigtails are available for the most important ones. I would use a zip tie or wrap good electrical tape (like 3m super 33 tape) around the plug. Silicone may make the plug hard to get apart in the future.

Degreasing should be first or last step. I usually don’t bother but maybe someday. It’s not exactly a convenient thing for me to do with not having a garage.

I pretty much never label anything anymore but I’ve had these apart more than I’d like to. Most of the stuff only fits to one place.

I stuff clean shop rags into the holes while I’m working. Be careful using a scraper or razor blade on the intakes, you want to scrape off the gaskets but not gouge up the aluminum. Small scratches aren’t the end of the world, you just want to be a little cautious. Always use new gaskets. In a pinch I’ve put a film of RTV on the old gasket but always replace them when possible. A bad seal on the intake means a vacuum leak that can cause headaches.

I usually don’t worry too much about injectors, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to clean them. They are tightly secured with O rings. Takes a bit to pull them apart and the o rings should be replaced if separated. If you do pull the injectors, I think it’s sixtyfiveford on YouTube that has a good video on cleaning injectors.

I’m sure we can help figure out any issues.

Don’t remove an AC hoses. I want to say it can be done without moving the pump, but I have unbolted the pump and moved it out of the way.

Thanks for the reply. The previous owner let the covers leak too long plus power steering line leak. cleaning was not an option. Motor will run cooler not covered in sludge. I replaced the injectors just because they looked original. 1989 was a long time ago. still not up and running replacing steering lines and fuel filter before I start it. Dang filter looks like a bear. tucked up inside a steel box. it has been neglected Throttle body needs cleaned, u- joints look dry, u name it. one thing at a time. I did not remove the ac after taking upper intake and fuel rail off things looked much brighter. i actually got an inch pound wrench on every bolt. permadry gaskets

 

[RC2]

Update vehicle is running super. Had a bit of shake in it before I think it was a miss and the new injectors fixed it power is awesome. I used Standard Motor Products injectors, was lucky to have original Ford injectors in the car still so they got matched up to the right ones. No more oil leaks Permadry Fel Pro seems to have done the trick I used Zero Sealant as they recommend and used an inch pound torque wrench. I went 1/3 then 2/3 then full torque worked my way inside to outside criss cross like a head torque. nary a drop of oil so far. yippie. Thanks for all the help !! I will be back. My kids want it restored, lifted, and a V8 fun fun fun