Buick When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made.

3800 series II rear valve cover replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 10, 2012 | 10:21 PM
  #1  
kanecats's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: NJ
kanecats is on a distinguished road
Default 3800 series II rear valve cover replacement

Can anyone give me the process to remove the back valve cover? What do I need to remove? Thanks!
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 06:51 AM
  #2  
Mike's Avatar
Retired
Certified Car Nut
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17,960
Likes: 1,839
From: Dark Side, AZ
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Remove the plastic engine cover.
Disconnect the 3 rear spark plug wires and drape them to the front of the engine.
Then you should be able to remove the rear valve cover.
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 07:32 AM
  #3  
2kg4u's Avatar
Senior Member
True Car Nut
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 245
From: Windsor, Ontario / Detroit, Michigan
2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of2kg4u has much to be proud of
Default

I also removed the rear lift bracket for a little more room to work back there. Its sitting on a shelf in case I ever pull the engine.
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 08:25 AM
  #4  
BillBoost37's Avatar
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

PA or PA Ultra? It does make a slight difference.

Disconnect negative battery connection
Remove alternator and it'* support bracket that connect to the lim (on sc if charged)
Remove 3 15mm bolts from alternator bracket (ons is back out of sight)
Remove 2 13mm nuts that hold the engine cover rear bracket to the exhaust studs
Loosen all 6 3/8" valve cover bolts
Gently assist the alternator bracket out of the way enough to wiggle the valve cover out. To far and you break coolant elbows and empty coolant, just enough and you pull off the magic trick.

Clean regasket and reinstall. 87 inch lbs on the 3/8" valve cover bolts.
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 09:45 AM
  #5  
kanecats's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: NJ
kanecats is on a distinguished road
Default

Bill it is the base model, not supercharged. On inspection I wasn't sure if the tensioner needed to come out. I don't think the coolant elbows would be an issue if I only removed the alternator? There is a large wiring harness that lays across the valve cover which doesn't look to have much play. The rear lift bracket in the back looks like it needs to come out too, but I am not sure if the (O2 sensor?) is in the way of it'* removal.

Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 09:55 AM
  #6  
kanecats's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: NJ
kanecats is on a distinguished road
Default

trying to post image...errr
Attached Thumbnails 3800 series II rear valve cover replacement-3-dsc_201a.jpg  
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 02:32 PM
  #7  
BillBoost37's Avatar
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

The wiring harness may have loom clips holding it. But it will move enough. Lift bracket doesn't "have" to come off to do the cover gasket. I've done quite a few, last one being a week ago. This is the way I'd do it.

The longer way is drain the coolant, pull the alt bracket (replace elbows on reinstall). It isn't necessary though.

Hope that helps.
Reply
Old May 11, 2012 | 02:46 PM
  #8  
kanecats's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: NJ
kanecats is on a distinguished road
Default

Phew that is good news! Thanks Bill - I am going to give it a go tonight. I have the new grommets and plan to put the front back on tonight. I am short and I hate laying across this engine!! Accumulating many war wounds...lol

Getting in good with the Parts counter guys...lol I gave them a bottle of my award winning home made wine for breaking some nuts loose off of my throttle body studs. (I don't have a vice/workbench yet). I was glad they were willing to help...just because! LOL my Dad thinks it is because I am a girl LOL
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
eltatertoto
General GM Chat
7
Dec 27, 2012 08:46 AM
Snagglefoot
General GM Chat
15
Jan 9, 2009 06:23 PM
sony11117
2000-2005
9
Jan 20, 2007 10:04 PM
zuluhead
2000-2005
4
Jan 2, 2006 12:06 AM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:03 AM.