Looks like my RH (rear) valve cover is leaking some oil. Most of the posts on the topic seem to be focused on the 90'* models. I'm expecting the basic process to be the same, but wanted to ask if there were any gotcha'* to doing this on an SSEi. As I recall all the other posts were about NA engines. Anyone know of anything that I should watch out for? Thanks!

The main problem you are going to run into on the Series II engine is the bracket that covers the passenger side rear corner of the valve cover, it has coolant running through it so you can only loosen it far enough to get the valve cover to clear. Other than that all you have to do is just move stuff out of the way until you can get access to the bolts that hold the cover on. The alternator is probably the biggest thing you'll have to move, plus the metal bracket that holds it on, and the map sensor may have to be moved if its in the way. If you search for rocker install or something like that on here you should find a write-up or two on it.

Edit: this should help you out a bit:
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...stall&start=20

Shawn

Thanks for the tip, never thought to check for a rocker install write-up. That was some mighty fine thinking!

Tackled the front brakes and the front (left) valve cover gasket today. Brakes are done, paint is drying on the valve cover.

While I wait, I would like to ask just how clean and what cleaning methods people are using for where the valve cover attaches to the block. Mines not horribly dirty, but you can tell that the old gasket had been there for a while. Since it'* a machined surface I'm hesitant to take some sand paper to it, and I'm not sure I want to be using any chemicals since they could possibly (likely) get into the oil. What are other people doing?

HIGH SPEED PLASTIC BRISTOLS.

If you don't want to hurt the surface and you want to do it all day long, the bristol disks is what the guys are using on a right angle 3" pneumatic grinder.
What I use since it'* a cast iron surface is a plain straight razor blade for the big stuff and then follow up with a piece of Scotch Brite and WD-40. If you're concerned about debris get into the engine, then have a vacuum hose close by.

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...hhheIjTcnE0d_-