Proper procedure for Valve Cover Removal

[longuito]

Hi Guys,

I looked for this topic in case it has already been posted, and so far I didn;t see anything. Nonetheless, I am a newbie (just joined today! ), although I have had my 79' for a little under a year.

I decided that I would re-paint the worn-out or rusted pieces such as the alternator cover, oil filter housing, oil filler spout and the oil cooler hose covers, since they are pretty easy to take apart. While I am at it, I decided I may as well do the valve cover, but it seems to be stuck really tight.

I have loosened all of the bolts, undone the tach drive, and now I am stuck, because I don't know if I should pry it open with a screwdriver or how I should do it.

Any tips or cautions would be much appreciated. I consider myself pretty proficient in term so doing things myself, and actually enjoy it, and usually do things even if I am not sure how to. However, I don't want to risk damaging the head or the cover. Thanks in advance

Luigi

[Don #6141]

You not only need to remove the tach cable, but also take the tach drive gear out of the top of the cover before you try to remove the cover itself - Otherwise, things could get 'expensive'. Also, it's a good idea to remove the #1 and #6 sparkpulgs

After that, a few taps with a rubber mallet should pop it loose

Don

[EMS]

Somebody may have used an additional sealant on the cover that makes it stick. The major things you have observed already, like the tach drive removal!
Take a rubber mallet and tap the valve cover on the corners. It should come off. I would not pry with anything sharp between the sealing surfaces.

[DevonCbx]

I believe also that slight tapping with a mallot would work. I know I used this method on cars

[alimey4u2]

Welcome to the site & club longuito......

[bobber]

Don't forget cam end caps.