Just did a quick search for this topic and found suggestions ranging from using a dremel to cut out the old seal to using a screw drive to tap out the old seal. So, I've tried tapping out the old seal w/no luck and succeeded in breaking out the center of each seal. I then tried getting "under" the seal, unsuccessfuly, with a screw driver without messing up the valve cover. Can anyone tell me what the seals are made out of? And, if I were to "cut" them out w/a dremel, is there a way to tell when your close to the valve cover before you mar it? Thanks in advance for any input. I'm hoping to get this thing put back together in time to go to work on Monday....
Spark plug seal / grommet removal...
- Thread starter txlandc
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
So grabbing a hold of the top of the spark plug boot with a decent set of pliers, twisting and pulling won't break them free?
- Thread starter
- #3
The boots aren't the problem, its the seals that are situated in the valve cover that are the problem. Looking back at it, I'm not even really sure that I needed to replace them. But, I had new ones waiting to go in and just figured it was a no brainer, like any other seal. Anyway, as most easy things seem to go, I've now got a bunch of broken seals stuck in the valve cover...
Wrap a 2 screwdrivers in electrical tape. Use a small one to get started under the seal between the seal and the valve cover (by the hole) and wiggle until you're tired. Then try sliding in a slightly larger one. Once you get them moving, they slide out pretty easy. Just 'breaking' them free is the hard part. I did manage to scar the cover a bit, I spun a small stone (from a dremel) in a drill slowly to 'break' the sharp bits before tapping the new seals in with a 2x4 about 3" long and a 3lb engineer hammer.
I've done several now and my HF seal puller has never failed me.
Not shocking, I'm confused. It sounds like you're replacing the seals for the spark plug tubes. If the rocker (cam) cover is removed Arndog123 and JohnR have the right idea going. I may be a simpleton but if you have a pic that may help everyone and future folks understand what you're replacing.
grommet removal
I was able to gently tap a few of mine out from the top with a socket and a rubber mallot (in the same manner you will tap the new ones in from the bottom . A few of the gommmets busted but I was able to get them started with the screwdriver + electrical tape method....unseated just enough to then grasp with pliers.
I was able to gently tap a few of mine out from the top with a socket and a rubber mallot (in the same manner you will tap the new ones in from the bottom . A few of the gommmets busted but I was able to get them started with the screwdriver + electrical tape method....unseated just enough to then grasp with pliers.
- Thread starter
- #8
Thank you all for your responses. IBCRUSN, sorry for the confusion, I'd post a pic but didn't take the time to take any. The part that's been discussed here is a "seal" that is seated in the top of the valve cover at each spark plug location. The only way to remove and install them is through the bottom of the valve cover.
Anyway, just as an update, I successfully removed them with a very small pry bar which was part of a set that I had previously purchased from Harbor Freight. I initially tried a small screw driver, which worked, but scored the valve cover. I switched to the small bar with a head similar to a small seal puller, used a hammer to get it started and slowly worked around each grommet to pop each of them out.
Anyway, just as an update, I successfully removed them with a very small pry bar which was part of a set that I had previously purchased from Harbor Freight. I initially tried a small screw driver, which worked, but scored the valve cover. I switched to the small bar with a head similar to a small seal puller, used a hammer to get it started and slowly worked around each grommet to pop each of them out.
