Valve Cover gasket repair.

[Mattyboy]

Also guessing that my dizzy o ring is not leaking as I don't have oil on the belts.

Found an empty bottle of KY lube in the rear fender while trying to get the fender nuts off!! Haha nuts off and KY in the same post!!!! Thanks @car-car

 

[ElJayBird]

It's bad enlightening that after a few miles up in the mountains it's leaking onto the heat shield and when you shut it down smoke comes from under the hood.

This scares me. In two weeks I leave for a 4000 mile trip out to Yosemite and back and I'm terrified that the truck isn't ready.

 

[flintknapper]

I am guessing that I will have some serious cleaning to do. My plan is to spray down with simple green and let it sit for a few hours. Then spray again after work and hit it with a garden hose or pressure washer. I am a bit worried to blast with and serious pressure I am thinking he wide angle pattern should work. He other alternative is rags and elbow grease which will take take days I fear.

You don't want to do rags and elbow grease.

Scrape off as much as you can before applying a strong degreaser. Garden hose won't do anything but waste water and get you wet. Use a pressure sprayer and stay away from the dizzy and as many electrical connectors as you can.

Sounds like you basically don't have a good place to do this?

Break the job down into segments, don't plan on doing it all in one weekend. Clean your engine first. Gather all the parts you think you will need next. If you haven't already, read up on the procedure or ask questions here. Then lastly....go for it!

 

[tominboise]

Depending on the age of the components, I would also replace the plugs, plug wires, dist cap and rotor while you have it taken apart. If those components are relatively fresh than no need to replace, obviously.

 

[Mattyboy]

If you have basic hand tools, this job is perfectly achievable .. Just set aside 2-3 hrs max(if your not a experienced gear monkey) and your good. Just take the air cleaner tube off, 4 bolts on throttle body (set it aside) then the valve cover gaskets.. You might as well replace the 6 spark plug grommets/seals and the pvc valve and rubber grommet..

Is it really that easy ?!?! I thought I had to disconnect all the cables to the TB.

 

[cc93cruiser]

Is it really that easy ?!?! I thought I had to disconnect all the cables to the TB.

Nope.. The cables are pretty flexible.. I wouldn't bind them all up, but throttle body can easily be put to the side without disconnecting the cables.

 

[surfpig]

Have fun!

 

[ZackR]

First step - visit a local DIY car wash in some grubby clothes and boots with a few cans of brake cleaner and some safety glasses. Brake cleaner will dissolve most of that heavy gunk (on a warm engine) and you can follow up with the engine/tire cleaner and then a final rinse. If you decide to use high pressure get close in as to avoid the wiring as much as possible.

Once the engine is cleaned up you'll be able to assess the situation and make a plan of attack. Get the parts you need in advance, make sure you have the necessary tools and you'll be able to handle it yourself.

I need to do mine as well, its almost as gross as yours!

 

[Hornd]

Since you have the BP Horizon....Power wash with hottest water you can find, then wire brush, then degreaser & rag
Order New Spark Plug Gaskets (6) and a PCV Valve and Grommet when you order valve cover gasket.
Spark Plugs from dealership are cheap and easy to do at same time.
If you have OEM Wires they have Year of Manufacture on them.