- Joined
- Aug 9, 2020
- Messages
- 546
- Reaction score
- 756
- Location
- North Idaho & The Bahamas
- My Car
- 1973 Mach 1
Some other Fords
So I am tearing down the externals on my engine getting ready to do some painting on the engine. I am not going to remove the engine since it appears to be in good shape.
Some context:
In preparation for getting my Mach back running again after sitting 25+ years I have been doing a bit of work. I pulled the plugs and borescoped the cylinders and they are all rust free and thankfully appear to be in good shape. With all the accessories & water pump off the front of the engine, the crankshaft turned easily and smoothly with a ratchet wrench. I have not done a compression check, but at this point I have no reason to expect I have a problem.
My next step is to remove and refurbish the valve covers. Back in 1975 I purchased and installed a set of the Ford aluminum Boss valve covers. They have not been off the car since maybe 1980 or so. Today after removing the valve cover bolts I attempted to remove the covers. First a tap with my fist, then using a rubber mallet...no luck. I used a thin gasket scraper and gently tapped it between the cork and the head on the front of the engine (see photo) and with a bit more tapping still no luck.
I am afraid of cracking the valve covers if I use too much persuasion. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting these MFs off? Thanks!
Some context:
In preparation for getting my Mach back running again after sitting 25+ years I have been doing a bit of work. I pulled the plugs and borescoped the cylinders and they are all rust free and thankfully appear to be in good shape. With all the accessories & water pump off the front of the engine, the crankshaft turned easily and smoothly with a ratchet wrench. I have not done a compression check, but at this point I have no reason to expect I have a problem.
My next step is to remove and refurbish the valve covers. Back in 1975 I purchased and installed a set of the Ford aluminum Boss valve covers. They have not been off the car since maybe 1980 or so. Today after removing the valve cover bolts I attempted to remove the covers. First a tap with my fist, then using a rubber mallet...no luck. I used a thin gasket scraper and gently tapped it between the cork and the head on the front of the engine (see photo) and with a bit more tapping still no luck.
I am afraid of cracking the valve covers if I use too much persuasion. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting these MFs off? Thanks!