hey 6gc'z,
Been on 6gc.net since last year, and i've always wanted a red top. Much like a Honda Type R and a Nissan Skyline engine. Although toyota are alot better >> Nwayz i've got a few dillemas:

i. How in the world do you remove the valve cover? (4 bolts below the ignition leads?)
ii. Do I need to remove the spark plugs first? and other wiring?
ii. If I do remove the valve cover is there going to be an abundant volume of oil threatening to devour me? lol
iii. When I need to put it back on do I need to replace the head gaskets?
iv. Any other information i need to know?

Thanks for your time guys. >> If all things go well i'll be definately making a how-to article on this =] -R

on the 5sfe u can leave the plugs in but u need to pull out the wires and push them aside. then use a huge socket to take off the valve cover. no oil will eat u alive.
when u need to put it back on u can use the same gasket but it works even better (just in case) if buy a tube of gasket maker and go over the gasket with it. its super sticky and really helps.

i just recently painted mine...I used some Metalcast Anodized paint first, after sanding a long LONG time with 65 grit and 150 grit sand paper. Then I used duplicolor high heat engine paint in low gloss black, a couple of coats, i then baked it at 500 degrees to test out the paint, it was great and i cooked it for 10 minutes. For my letters I used touch up paint in a pen form at walmart in some Ford green color, that held up with the heat too...here's the final product, a little dirty


eh thats not the final product, im fixing the letters up and that paint chip

This post has been edited by Akimbo: Apr 21, 2005 - 11:48 AM

yeah all you basically have to do is unblot those 4 huge (30mm?) nuts. i dont know how much oil spill you will have, but i would drain all the engine oil out just to be sure. also, nows a great time to replace that gasket! those things end up leaking sooner or later, and spending 20$ on a new gasket will save u the headache of having to do it all later on.

Do you have to sand? Or can u just hit it with the rattle can?

30mm bolts?
dang

on the 7afe
its only like 4-6 10mm bolts lol

I sanded mine first...it's really smooth to touch now. I would sand it just as a precaution, it also helps clean it.

edit: while we're here, does anyone know how to remove the heatshield

This post has been edited by Akimbo: Apr 21, 2005 - 2:15 PM

heat shield is 10mm bolts like 4 of them just unbolt and remove

Hey 6gc'z,
Thanks for the quick reply, hopefully all goes well tonight, im just still a little skeptical about the whole oil leak when I pull out the vavle cover. >> Thanks for clarifying x_itchy_b_x, I forgot to mention I have a 5SFE engine. The australian 6th generation celicas all have them except for the GT-FOUR. Basically, all I need to do is unplug and remove all wires that are in the way. Find 30mm sockets to unscrew the bolts on top and viola! Do you guys recommend I should make a how-to article on this. Seems like everyone has already accomplished this.? Suggestions?
- R


Akimbo: From my recollection, you have to remove 12mm bolts (6 in total) and unplug a sensor of some sort thats connected to the factory headers. Definately use WD-40 for the bolts as thay are very hard to unscrew and you wouldnt want to snap of any bolts or sockets from my past experience >>

hey 6gcr'z,
I've tried to do my little project although I cant a big enough socket that will unscrew the top 4 bolts? What size are they? Nwayz not in the mood to anything tonight i've got to study for a Cisco exam and got into the runs with authority down under. -R >>

change the gasket.

i just changed my gasket on the valve head a week ago

step 1
remove the 4 bolts and washiers in the cover

step 2
remove the 2 bolts on the far left over the cam gear then remove that plastic plate thing

step3
run a blade along the edge of the valve cover to break it loose then move the wire loom thats wraped in grey tape then left the valve cover off

step 4
cover the cams with a plastic bag and stick a towel on top of that so nothing get in there

step 5
use brake clean to get oil and other dust off the cover

step 6
sand it and cover in a powder coat that can stand heat do 3 layers

step 7
once dry spray your color on make sure it also can take heat spray one layer let dry and repeat until happy

step 8
replace the seals put it back on tighten all the bolts and there you go