8G I4 Valve cover removal.
I just recently replaced the valve cover gasket and plug seals. I noticed there aren't any tutorials on valve cover removal with pics. So I decided I'd make one.
Tools needed
10mm socket
12mm socket
10mm open end wrench
spark plug socket
long extension
flathead screwdriver
BFH (only if needed)
First you want to take the coilpacks off. Use the 10mm socket to remove the bolts holding them to the bracket and carefully pull on the coilpack itself and the plug wires. If this is your first time taking them off, it is possible that you might need to tug a little harder as they will be a little stubborn but be careful and make sure you don't rip nothing.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03520.jpg
next you want to use the spark plug socket and remove the spark plugs.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03521.jpg
Now you will notice the throttle cable bolted onto brackets on the valve cover. remove the bolts with the 10m socket.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03522.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03523.jpg
Next is the line going to the power steering. It is held onto the valve cover with a 12mm bolt.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03524.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03525.jpg
Now towards the back of the engine next to the intake manifold are the bolts that hold the harness to the valve cover. Remove these bolts by using the 10mm socket and put the harness aside to get it out of the way
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03526.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03527.jpg
Disconnect the line from the PCV to the intake manifold
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03528-1.jpg
Now you can either do two things, unbolt the top screws for the upper timing cover and work around it, or you can completely remove it by taking the 3 12mm bolts and one 10mm bolt out.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03529-1.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03530-1.jpg
I just took it completely off, saves me the hassle of having to work around it.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03531-1.jpg
And then now you want to take the I believe it's a ground plate off of the right side rear corner of the valve cover.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03537.jpg
You can use the 10mm to take it off. Mind you, you can't get to the bolt on that corner for the valve cover without removing this.
Now it's onto the valve cover bolts. You can use the 10mm socket to remove these. There are six total, one in each corner and one in the middle front and one in the middle rear. You will be surprised of how easy they come off. They are not torqued down as tight as you would think.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03532-1.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03533-1.jpg
The valve cover won't just come off as soon as you take the bolts off. I had to tap the valve cover with a BFH.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03538.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03540.jpg
After a couple of taps, I took the flathead screw driver and pried up on the valve cover. Don't just start prying anywhere because you will warp the valve cover easily. Go to the timing side of the valve cover, you will see the round part of the valve cover and you can pry under that. Should come off easily.
Now the valve cover is off.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03541.jpg
Take the flathead and once again pry the gasket off. I stuck that screwdriver into the middle hole on the gasket and pried up to get it off. Use the gasket itself for leverage NOT the valve cover to avoid warpage. Mine came out in one piece and the valve cover didn't have any residue whatsoever.
The plug seals were suctioned into the valve cover so I just pried with the screwdriver carefully to get them off.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03543.jpg
Replace the gasket and seals, then put it all back together. Putting it back together is easy. Just work backwards. lol Make sure you don't overtighten the valve cover to prevent leaks. I just hand tightened them 'til they stopped. Then turned it like a 1/4-1/2 turn.
well, hope this helped.
This is what my motor looks like now.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...g/DSC03550.jpg
