ATrain3.0

I'm trying to replace my valve cover gaskets, which should be a relatively easy job. I'm having a problem removing the front cover. It looks like there is one bolt that is obstructed by the intake manifold.

My question is, has anyone with a 3.0 removed their valve covers, and did you have to remove the intake manifold?

Basically, how did you get the front cover off.

I've done a search and can't seem to find an answer. Its probably something very simple that I'm overlooking.

Thanks.

ghost_masterCL

you need to take off the upper intake manifold and throttle body to get to the valve covers properly.

ATrain3.0

Thanks, I was afraid that might be the case.
Any tips on removing the upper intake manifold and throttle body. I've got the six main bolts on top of the manifold off, but its not budging.

ATrain3.0

Nevermind, just got it off. It wasn't too bad. Thanks again.

ghost_masterCL

the upper Intake manifold has six bolts and three stud+nuts holding it down, there are two studs on the throttle body end and one stud on the other end. Be sure to unplug everthing from the intake manifold first, there are only 6 things or so, and they all fall back into place when you resintall so should't be a problem having to mark them.

the throttle body has two studs and two bolts, just so you know, but you can get away with not having to remove the TB from the intake manifold if you are willing to spill a little coolant. The tb has two coolant lines plugged into it to prevent ice up in cold weather, so you caj ust unplug the two hoses (one on the rear side, and one on the bottom side). Be careful that your engine is cool though because if you remove them with a heated engine they will spray coolant in your eyes.

Then you just have to loosen the throttle linkage plate (requires philips head screwdriver, 2 screws I think), and remove the regular cable and cruise control cable then you can lift the whole IM and TB assembly off as one.

be sure you have towels or something handy if you take off the coolant lines as coolant will spill out anyways.

ghost_masterCL

oh yeah, and make sure you retighten all the bolts with a torque wrench, they should all be at about 16-18 lb-ft, if you overtorque them you can strip the aluminum threads.