replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

[William F.]

Can some of you who have been there give me some tricks for removing/installing valve covers and gaskets on my '67 factory air L79?Specifically how to deal with the right side's front outboard valve cover bolt very close to the adjacent compressor? Can it be done without loosening the compressor? What kind of socket and wobble tool and extension will work?
Thanks,
'67 marina blue/bright blue L79 coupe
'67 white/ black soft top/red interior roadster

[Domenic T.]

Re: replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

William,
maybe, but you might as well remove the belt and lay the compressor over as it usually ends up that way. After all didn't your AC belt need to be adjusted?

DOM

[Larry M.]

Re: replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 1967 327/350 HP factory air car. I DID NOT need to move or roll the air conditioning compressor. No special wrench extentions, etc.

I used a 1/4 inch drive ratchet, with a six inch long 1/4 inch drive extention, and a 1/4 inch drive 6-point socket (3/8 inch socket).

But as Dom says, loosening the AC compressor belt and rolling the compressor may be required.

New gaskets were glued in place with 3M yellow weatherstrip adhesive, put Vaseline on the head side of the gaskets, and lowered the valve covers into place. Tightened the bolts VERY LIGHTLY with the same 1/4 inch drive ratchet.

No leaks so far. Tighten/snug the gaskets up after a few heat/cool cycles.

Larry

[William F.]

Re: replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

Thanks, Larry.Anybody else's experience with this for comparison?

[Douglas M.]

Re: replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

I just has the VC's off my '72 350 two days ago tracking down a noisy rocker arm. Not exactly the same, but close.

It took me all of about 1 minute to loosen the AC compressor tension bolt and roll the comp forward enough to remove the belt, then roll the comp back far enough to allow easy access to the VC bolt. And probably two minutes to reverse the process by re installing the belt and retensioning the belt.

I would have dorked around for a lot longer trying to get the VC bolt off and on if I hadn't done the above.

Doug

[Domenic T.]

Re: replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

Douge,
A good 3 min in my book.

DOM

[William F.]

Re: replacing valve cover gaskets on AC car

Other than the adjustment bolt in slot, what other bolts have to be loosened to roll compressor on a '67 small block?How 'bout one on underside/outboard side of compressor-don't see how a wrench would have enough movement to loosen this one since space is tight?Thanks