Imo000

Yup, that would get you enough room to work confortably but pull the bumper too.

WalterRohrl

Yes it really is that simple (to lower it a bit, not to remove it completely), hard to believe I know. Get something to support the engine under that bracket at the rear and then just loosen the two big nuts that are easily accessible from below. If you want or need, you might as well replace the motor mounts, only a few more bolts from above. As simple as it looks, no tricks to it.

Pcargo

Thanks for the tips guys keep them coming, tonight was a slow night. I ended up lowering the motor (really easy to do), made things way easier. I wasn't able to get the cam holder tool in position until the motor was lowered. After that I just started to loosen up all the cam cover bolts then called it a night. When I finally pull the cover off how easy it to get the old gasket stuff off? How should I go about cleaning it?

Imo000

Cleaning old gaskets is just takes time. Maybe 30min. each side (cover and the head). There are many ways to do this but whatever you choose, don't use an abresive (sand paper/disk).

DBJoe996

Pick off most of the gasket material with fingers. Probably will just peel off. Clean surfaces with mineral spirits on a rag, then a final cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be careful to keep track of pieces, you don't want any contamination/pieces falling into crevices. Plenty of light should make it easier. Light it up like a stadium! For stubborn material stuck on the mating surfaces, soak for awhile with gasket remover or GooBGone. I would not take a knife or scraper to any mating surfaces. It is too easy to knick the soft aluminum.

alpine003

You can use a plastic scraper if you had to. In fact they sell plastic razor blades that auto body places use to scrape off decals that seems to work good.

Pcargo

Ok, for those who have done this before. How much gasket maker do I use? Do I just run a bead on the head or on the head and cam cover? I just want to make sure I don't put too much (which is why I am resealling it) or too little to have it leak later on.

Imo000

First, look for the blocked oil return path at the blown out plug.

Pcargo

Done, took it out for a test drive tonight so far so good. I am happy again, life without a Pcar is really depressing. Sorry I didn't take anymore pics I would of had to stop in the middle of what I was doing and had to wash my hands each time to take a pic.

Stephen Tinker

Did you find the excess lump of dried sealant which was blocking the oil way port?

Pcargo

There was nothing blocking the port for the oil, it was just excess silicone on that part of the cam cover.