Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyline
No...the valve covers are not easy to take off. There are some great tutorials online here that will show you how to do it. But basically, the coil packs must come out, and their harnesses pulled back. Injectors must be unplugged and the fuel rail moved out of the way. There a whole bunch of other items on top of the engine, (vacuum line, etc.,) that must be removed. Driver side access is VERY tight, and removing a few heater hoses is very helpful. Intake must come out. Cabin filter box must come out.
You need to not only replace the valve cover gaskets...but all the rubber rings around all the bolts and nuts. A torque wrench, (preferably 1/4" drive) is essential, as well as a good sized telescopic inspection mirror, (to make sure the back of the gasket that you can not see is seated properly). For someone who has never done this, and is pretty mechanically handy, expect it to take about a whole day, with the online tutorials at hand. I've heard of indy mechanics charging over $1k for this, and dealer much more. If you are not used to working on your cars, this is probably not a good first job...but check out the tutorials and see if it looks manageable.
To determine if they are leaking, run your hand all the way around, especially in the back.
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I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 2002 4.6is back in November, I did not...repeat, did not remove the coil packs, fuel rails or unplug the injectors, it can be done. The passenger side is so easy it's ridiculous, the drivers was a lot tougher, the main thing is to remove the three heaters hoses that are connected at the firewall. I've been meaning to post pics and do a write-up, just been too busy. You mentioned the intake, don't know if you're talking about the intake manifold, but even the harder write-ups I read through did not have you removing the intake manifold.