500E valve cover clearance

[michaedo]

Hello again good people,
One of the pressing projects going on with my 500 is replacing the valve cover gaskets. The right side
I thought would be the tough one but proved to be fairly easy. The left side though is being a real stinker.
There's not enough clearance towards the back to allow installing the valve cover without snagging the
gasket on the bottom rear corner. I did this about 16 years ago and don't remember having this much
trouble. What am I missing here? You can see in the picture I've pressed in the firewall trying to squeeze
it in. After many attempts I come to you for any clue you might have. Thanks in advance, Don.

 

[gsxr]

I recall this area being very tight. Not easy to get the cover+gasket in place without dislodging the gasket. Keep trying... and use a mirror if needed, to verify the half-moon sections are properly seated, before you torque it down. I'm not aware of any tips/tricks to make it easier, other than pulling the engine out.

 

[Kridre]

Did you remove the vacuum line going in to the brake booster? I should be easier without it to install the cover. Be gentle with it and just zip tie it to the A/C line where the fuel cooler is.

 

[michaedo]

Howdy folks,
I've come to the conclusion it's my installation procedure. I've taken off the gasket to practice
until maybe muscle memory will kick in. Easy as pie when the gasket's not there. Meanwhile
there's a coolant reservoir to replace. Little by little...Thanks for the responses, yeah, everything
has been moved out of the way with the exception of the spark plug holddown and it's only
slightly in the way.

 

[smilecenterlab]

i had the same problem when i replaced mine a year or so ago.you have to put some sealant on the gasket so it stays put,even though they say not to use any .took me 4or 5 times to get it right.good luck.

 

[gerryvz]

It also can help to add a little vaseline or hylomar or other goo to help keep the gasket in place while wrestling the cover into position. I personally have never done this (added goo), but I know others on the forum have done this in the past.

 

[gsxr]

If goo is used, try to use a non-adhesive, non-hardening sealant like Hylomar. That should be enough to help hold it in place, without causing issues with cleanup / removal next time the cover comes off the engine.

DO NOT use any RTV or similar sealant, anywhere, on the valve cover gaskets.

 

[sheward]

When I am faced with this problem, I go to the old but effective Form A Gasket product. Just a few dabs. VERY sticky, non-hardening.

 

[emerydc8]

I found that a drop or two of super glue only on the half-moon sections will hold it in place. Just make sure the area is super clean and free of oil. I use the CRC brake parts cleaner (the good stuff in the red can) just in this area so the glue will stick. Just don’t let any of the glue drip down to where the gasket mates to the head. Hold the valve cover upside down while it dries. I’ve done this a number of times and haven’t had any sealing issues later on. Just be careful with the glue.