Taking off valve cover

[pharmboy]

Today I thought I would tackle a leaking valve cover gasket. I don't know much about mechanics, but this seemed to be an easy enough job. I am stuck on trying to get the last bolt off. I am referring to the bolt that is closest to the firewall. I can't seem to get a socket back there. The valve cover is so close to the firewall that a screw that is sticking through the firewall is touching the valve cover. My question is how much room should there be between the valve cover and the firewall? I can't even squeeze my finger between the firewall and valve cover. My friends '87 wrangler has the same engine but, the same bolt on his jeep is easy to get to.

 

[73CJ]

How are your front body mounts on the fowardmost part of your tub?

My valve cover was up against the firewall. The tub was sitting on the bell housing. Couldn't get to that last bolt either.

Might want to check those mounts out. Or maybe the tub has shifted forward.

 

[pharmboy]

Thanks for the tips. I will check all that out tomorrow. I appreciate the help

 

[73CJ]

Take some pics if you can. That really helps us see the issue.

 

[JAG811]

Yeah I'd suspect there should be at least 1/2 inch room from back of the head to the firewall ??

 

[pharmboy]

this is the best angle, but that screw coming out of the firewall is tiny and it touches the valve cover.

 

[Torxhead]

Yeah that is pretty close Pharmboy. When the motor mounts weaken it will tend to move the engine to the rear. This can be checked by looking at the clutch linkage bellcrank which should be perpendicular to the frame with good motor mounts. A weak motor mount can also put excessive load on the frame mount pivot point for the bellcrank and break it off. Also the body can be moved back a bit by loosening the body mounts and prying the body back.

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

My 80 CJ5 looked very similar to the pic you have shown. After taking it apart for some dang reason, I have come to find out that all the mounts (engine and Transmission ) are/were shot. These parts can be had "relatively" reasonable and really straighten things up. Changing them doesn't look too bad if your jeep is still intact.


This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[pharmboy]

Okay. I'll have all the mounts checked out. I appreciate all the info. Thanks!

 

[pharmboy]

Thanks again for the info

 

[pharmboy]

I was able to get the cover off after all. I have another question. What is the 3rd hole on top of the valve cover for? Whoever had it before me just left it open. It is the same size as the hole where the PCV valve goes.