302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

[Boomyal]

I am trying to remedy a lack of access to the outside valve cover bolts on my new 331 stroker marine motor. In it's stock form, the valves never needed adjusting. Now, having replaced the stock rocker studs with screw in type and using Comp Pro Magnum roller rockers, they will need to be readjusted, at least, after breakin.<br /><br />The problem is that the marine log style exhaust manifolds fit so tight to the valve cover (actually touching) that I have to loosen them and move them outward to get to the outside valve cover bolts. As well, to accomplish this, I have to remove the rear seat panels to gain access to the exhaust manifolds. Even having done this, I jeoprodize the integrity of the exhaust manifold gaskets and may well have to pull the manifolds all the way off to replace the gaskets.<br /><br />As I put my head to the pillow tonight, a solution came to mind and I thought I would toss it out to see if it is viable.<br /><br />If I could get ahold of some 1/4 to 3/8 inch aftermarket manifold flanges, I could get slightly longer studs and use gaskets on both sides of the flange. Moving the manifolds out, that small amount would not cause any fitment issues with manifold to intermediate housing connections (rubber sleeves) and I already have to use a box end wrench to remove the plugs.<br /><br />Am I missing anything here? Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> The problem is that the marine log style exhaust manifolds fit so tight to the valve cover (actually touching) that I have to loosen them and move them outward to get to the outside valve cover bolts.

If you post late at night you know I'm going to bite, sorry.<br /><br />What about those long (4 or 5 inch) aftermarket valvecover bolts - wing nut style. They have a small base and stem, maybe small enough to clear the manifold.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[KaGee]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

Originally posted by Dunaruna:<br /> What about those long (4 or 5 inch) aftermarket valvecover bolts - wing nut style. <br />Aldo

Aaahhhhh! You recommended AUTO PARTS for MARINE application! (snick!)<br /><br />I like the flange idea Boom, provided you can move the manifold out enough to clear. I have the same problem, but I don't have to remove any panels or such. I just loosened the manifold nuts and slid it back. I was told by the local parts house that the newer gaskets are reuseable... within reason.

 

[achris]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

Boomyal,<br /><br />Could just re-shape the valve covers with the required clearance? <br /><br /><br />Chris...........

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

Hey, that's why I post late. I'm always trolling for some sage advice from my beloved cousins downunder! <br /><br />However, Yanks and Aussies, we have not yet firmed up a suitable solution. I'd be lucky to get a feeler guage between the manifold and the valve cover, so the Tee handle won't fit. And I'm not to sure about the bigger hammer tactic for reshaping, although I'll give it a looksee.<br /><br />Even though the gasket may reseal, I still don't want to go thru what it takes to loosen and move the manifold out a quarter inch. Aside from the amount of effort, I'd be messin up my new Ford Thunderbird Red paint job.<br /><br />Another thought just came to mind. I wonder if anyone makes a valve cover that has a removeable top plate???

 

[KaGee]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> ...I'd be messin up my new Ford Thunderbird Red paint job...<br />

Oh My! Can't do that!<br />LOL!

 

[ron7000]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

how's your metalworking skills? Here's a thought, a lot of times old rocker covers will be cut open to be used for doing valve adjustments, helps control the oil. Why not pull your manifolds one more time, get the rocker covers off, and cut out the center section. Find some metal and fab up a replacement cover that'll bolt over and cover the hole you cut. Tap some holes and a little rtv and you're all set. Then when you need to get in there to adjust valves, you have easy access.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

I have the same problem with a tiny leak on the starboard side valve cover (350GM) thats drips directly on the exhaust and smokes and stinks...and not time yet for new manifolds. So far I live with it, but I was also thinking the old style stud/wingnut valve cover, but I remember something that went in the middle of the valve cover. Next time the mani's come off, I will put my old machinist skills to work and come up with something. The idea of extra flange's is now you are hanging a lot of weight out just a little more, and with only four bolts, twice the gaskets, etc. I would do a valve cover mod of some sort. Let me look through my old catalogs and see if I can come up with anything.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

QUOTE:[Another thought just came to mind. I wonder if anyone makes a valve cover that has a removeable top plate???]<br /><br />Maybe you???<br /><br /><br />In ten years time, when the "BoomBoom Valve Cover Company" gets listed in the top 500, I can say - I knew that guy before he became famous <br /><br />Aldo

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

Originally posted by Dunaruna:<br /> In ten years time, when the "BoomBoom Valve Cover Company" gets listed in the top 500, I can say - I knew that guy before he became famous

Hey! My long time objective has been to make my first million in manufacturing, NOT lose it.

 

[achris]

Re: 302 valve cover bolt access (or lack thereof)

You should patent that idea before I do.