mikewags Posted July 3, 2008 Share #1 Posted July 3, 2008 I wanted to remove the valve cover to get it polished, and to also have the valves adjusted. Should I have a mechanic do this, or is it easy enough for me to do myself?Thanks. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fun_in_my_z Posted July 3, 2008 Share #2 Posted July 3, 2008 How much do you know about it? If one of the valves are adjusted wrong you could destroy the engine. Don't forget you will need a valve cover gasket. Good Luck. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252725 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblake01 Posted July 3, 2008 Share #3 Posted July 3, 2008 If you have a reasonable level of mechanical skills, and can read and understand the procedure as outlined in the factory service manual, you should be able to do it. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252729 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewags Posted July 4, 2008 Author Share #4 Posted July 4, 2008 Well i have pretty reasonable mechanical skills. I wasn't going to adjust the valve's myself, although I was going to polish the cover.Are gaskets for the 280 pretty easy to get, or are they special order? (curious if advanced auto parts carries them) Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252732 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeW Posted July 4, 2008 Share #5 Posted July 4, 2008 With a little sandpaper and a whole lot of hard work you can polish the valve cover yourself and get excellent results. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252733 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hls30.com Posted July 4, 2008 Share #6 Posted July 4, 2008 Well i have pretty reasonable mechanical skills. I wasn't going to adjust the valve's myself, although I was going to polish the cover.Are gaskets for the 280 pretty easy to get, or are they special order? (curious if advanced auto parts carries them)http://www.partsamerica.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=FEL&MfrPartNumber=VS26070Anot stocked in my neck of the woods, but $9 and one day away(ordered before 2pm.Will Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252739 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblake01 Posted July 4, 2008 Share #7 Posted July 4, 2008 My Kragen (may be Shucks or Checker in your area) has it in stock. Be sure to print out the description from the web site and take it with you because in the stores the prices are generally higher and they'll do a price adjustment if you bring that page with you. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252745 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fun_in_my_z Posted July 4, 2008 Share #8 Posted July 4, 2008 I got mine from advanced auto for $10. But had to wait for 3 days, but It was cool for me because Im waiting on MSA to sent the rest of my stuff Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252746 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beandip Posted July 6, 2008 Share #9 Posted July 6, 2008 To polish the cover , I started with 1000 wet/dry with kerosene then went to 1500 grit. then polishing compound sticks I bought at Sears. of all places. I did the domes on my S Us as well. Some one sells neoprene gaskets instead of cork. If you can fine them this is the way to go , they don't seep oil. I don't know a source . Hopefully some one out there will come up with one. Gary Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-252767 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobs77 Posted July 8, 2008 Share #10 Posted July 8, 2008 Gary, can you send a pic of the valve cover after polishing?Bob Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-253062 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeW Posted July 8, 2008 Share #11 Posted July 8, 2008 Here's an old shot of mine after polishing:http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=5340&ppuser=3294 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-253064 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeesZ Posted July 8, 2008 Share #12 Posted July 8, 2008 Here are a few shots of a valve cover semi-polished, done to a medium/soft shine. Took it down to 1000 grit, then several passes with Mothers aluminum polish by hand. I did not want extreme shine, rather a nice bright soft lustre, therefore I stopped at 1000. Taking another pass or two up to 1500 will provide a more brilliant reflection as I hope you can contrast when other pictures are provided. Please see my picture gallery for a lot more examples of the type of refurbishing that can be done to these cam covers. (http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=9676) Time consuming, yes, but I really enjoy doing them. I've also been experimenting with media blasting with IMHO very attractive results. I am considering doing this part-time as a service (more so the media blasting as pictured in the gallery). Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/28632-removing-the-valve-cover-for-polishing/#findComment-253096 Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorman7
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now