Is it straight forward R&R plus new gasket or will I run into other issues? I know that when I was a 944 newbie I thought the cam tower on my 83 was a valve cover (im glad I didn't take that off with no experience, see lifters everywhere. I want to take the valve cover/intake manifold, to the powder coater (wonderful PO went crazy with gold spray paint on it)

 

It is easiest to do if you take the fuel lines loose. Pull the fuse to let the fuel pressure off, and crank it for a few times. The bolts break easy, so put them back in with maybe 10lbs.

 

It's a straightforward job. It is tight to worm out the cover from underneath the fuel lines that run right over top the cover near the back. I found it worthwhile to de-pressurize the fuel system and un-fasten these lines. Have a very clean plastic sheet on hand (or something similar) to serve as a cover to keep the exposed head clean.

This would be a great time to check the chain tensioner. If it has not been replaced in the last 60K miles, definitely do it now. Otherwise, you may want to just replace the the plastic wear pads (quite cheap and easy to do).

Best of luck!

 

Yeah, straightforward, just be careful with those bolts. If one snaps, assuming you can back the rest of it out, they're not cheap to replace. $15 each or so if I remember correctly. I was going to replace them all and when I stopped by the dealer to order them, he said "they're $15." I thought that wasn't too bad. Then he said "no, that's each."

 

When the fuel lines are opened, after cranking and pulling the fuse, will any gas fly out of there? Or can you remvove them, do the valve cover, then replace the fuel lines...no muss, no fuss?

I struggled a ton to get that upper left valve cover bolt out from under those damned fuel lines!

 

as everyone said this is pretty straightforward. the camshafts and chain will be visible - great time to change the tensioner or pad as allan stated.

gas won't squirt out if you release the pressure in the system. it will drip out, but there is a good amount of it, so have some rags or towels to catch the gas and DON'T SMOKE

yeah, i paid $12 for one of those bolts

 

Easy. No need to touch the fuel lines just for the valve cover (you'll do that for the intake manifold, of course). Wake up the bolts by putting the hex socket into the bolt and tapping socket with a hammer, then loosen slowly. You'll be able to finagle the cover out. Torque properly when you reinstall. I used antisieze.

Also replace the spark plug gaskets and, if I were doing it again, I'd replace the rubber grommets that seal those bolts.

'88 944S

 

Like gtroth, I just wiggled it out from under the fuel hose. Wasn't a big deal, although I guess it would be easier with the fuel lines gone. The palm of your hand works well for breaking the bolts loose too.

 

Yea, I didn't need to do anything crazy like depressurize my fuel system. This part was the easiest of my timing belt/cam chain maitainanence project. I emphasize the word project, as it is easily some of the most involved and costly regular mainatainence of any car aside from italian supercars.

 

what is involved in changing the cam chain tensioner. O/T in my own thread.

 

It's not that bad. Do a search, here and at Pelican, and read Clark's garage - follow the "boerger" link from Clark's.

'88 944S