Valley Cover removal?


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By Whitey - 15 Years Ago
G'day All,

I was just wondering if there is any chance of removing the valley cover while the heads are still attached?  I've taken off the intake manifold no worries, but it looks like the valley goes under the intake flanges on the heads.  I'm pretty sure that it's leaking oil around the valley gasket and I have a new one from a complete kit to replace it, but don't want to or have a need to remove the heads.  Any tricks or tips would be appreciated as this is my first y and loving it.

Cheers Geoff 

By aussiebill - 15 Years Ago
Whitey (4/9/2010)
G'day All,

I was just wondering if there is any chance of removing the valley cover while the heads are still attached?  I've taken off the intake manifold no worries, but it looks like the valley goes under the intake flanges on the heads.  I'm pretty sure that it's leaking oil around the valley gasket and I have a new one from a complete kit to replace it, but don't want to or have a need to remove the heads.  Any tricks or tips would be appreciated as this is my first y and loving it.

Cheers Geoff 

Geoff, usually removing the intake will acess the valley cover, in most cases it can be jiggled from under one head to clear it then up it comes, there is sometimes a width issue but can be pried out in most cases.

By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
You should be able to remove the pan with the heads on.If you don't mind a suggestion-I am rebuilding my 292.To avoid leaks down the road I drilled and tapped for 6 machine screws around the perimeter of the pan.1 each corner and 1 each side about the middle.On the side ones move a little away from the cast "rib" underneath.Its very easy to drill the block with a GOOD quality drill bit.Leaks around the valley pan are very common because people have a tendency to OVERTIGHTEN the bolts thinking it will seal better.The more you overtighten the more the pan distorts and lifts around the edge.Check the pan when you remove it for uneveness around the edge.Use a good quality form-a-gasket as well as the gasket you bought. The bolts are only tightened about 3 lbs torque-just snug.Let the sealer dry and retorque again afterwards.
By DANIEL TINDER - 15 Years Ago


Geoff, usually removing the intake will acess the valley cover, in most cases it can be jiggled from under one head to clear it then up it comes, there is sometimes a width issue but can be pried out in most cases.[/quote]



Y-Block Mag. article a while back (Jerry C. ?) described trimming valley pan baffle so it could be more easily installed/removed with heads on.
By 55Birdman - 15 Years Ago
If you have a new valley cover removing the old one wont matter too much. But you wil have to pry it out . Do it gently and it will come eventually . Before you install the new one  set it on top of the flanges and mark wher the flanges are on the valley cover with a magic marker or whatever. You only have to mark one side. then with a file or dremel tool cut a notch where you marked both flanges . Only cut it a bit then try it for fit. Put it in at an angle and see if the other side with the notches will clear the flanges. If not cut a bit more till it does then no more worries. No need to cut both sides . Seal it with a Permatex sealer and you should be ok. Just be careful not to cut the notch too deep if you do it will leak. Hope this helps.  
By paul2748 - 15 Years Ago
The hard part always seems to be getting it back on. I have always had good luck in getting them off. The hang up is the splash pan that is at a right angle. Trimming this down about an inch on each side makes it go in easier. The last time I removed one was about two months ago on a friends TBird. No problem getting it off and oddly enough, no problem getting it back on without any trimming.??????