ABF Rocker cover removal.....

[MereKat]

Probably a simple thing, but from what i gather it's a case of a few bolts on the inlet manifold, support for the inlet manifold, few bolts around the cover, and hey presto! It's off!.....?

Question is, with the above being correct, do the spark plugs need removing first? I only ask as it'd be much easier as theres a nice oil lake at the bottom, don't want any iof it getting in the cylinders!

[VW BUSH]

Take off the inlet, brackets, leads and everything connected and in the way, crack the plugs off so they are loose.

Loosen the cover all around so you can move it, most of the oil will then run off into the head.
Don't worry about a little oil getting into the cylinders, its bits of gasket and hard crud you need to be careful of.

[Luke1981]

Further to the above I would be buying a new gasket from VW and not one of those crappy ebay ones.

[MereKat]

VW have ordered it for me, although i do sometimes question VW parts...didn't think they made gaskets etc, just bought them in?...

I also want going to clean up the inlet and cover a bit, i have a few 'wire wheels', various sand papers etc laying around, would these be ok to do it? don't want a polished finidhed, just not feeling the 'black oil stained' look at the moment...

[Luke1981]

I would just degrease the hell out of it, sand it down till its all smooth and buy some spray paint that is heat resistant. Red seems to look good on rocker covers. The only prob that might get on your nerves is a nice shiny cover and the rest of the block looking dirty. Then you will be on the OCD detailing thread wishing you just left it alone  :grin

[VW BUSH]

I would just degrease the hell out of it, sand it down till its all smooth and buy some spray paint that is heat resistant. Red seems to look good on rocker covers. The only prob that might get on your nerves is a nice shiny cover and the rest of the block looking dirty. Then you will be on the OCD detailing thread wishing you just left it alone  :grin

Bead blast + lacquer + paint for vdub embossing will make it look sweet, wont cost much either.
http://www.buckenhamblastcleaningnr34.co.uk/shotblastingnorwich.html

[MereKat]

It'll cost all the same! With xmas, and the parts for doing this, and also replacing the rear brakes, i'm flat broke! I don't want it all shiny and lovely, as i'll then want the whole engine done! Just want it a little cleaner