Hello,

I am trying to check the valve clearances and am not sure how to remove the valve cover. I've taken off the valve cover bolts as well as the breather cover, but the valve cover seems firmly stuck on there. Since I do not wish to damage the gasket or any other parts, I was hoping one of the gurus here might be able to offer some advice.

Sorry if this question has been answered a million times already.

Thanks.

The gasket is re-usable rubber. The factory uses a little sealer under the round areas. It won't damage anything to pull it off.
I take some sticky gasket sealer to glue the gasket into the valve cover before I re-install it. That way it is easier to put the cover on, without the gasket falling off and getting pinched. I don't bother putting sealer under the round areas.

Do you mean just grab a corner of the valve cover and give it a yank?

Yes ... a gentle yank.   Try to get it off using only your fingers as much as possible.  (Rather than, say, prying with a metal screwdriver.)

Is it possible that a previous owner used gasket sealant on both the top and bottom of the gasket?  :x

I tap it with a mallet .... basically like tap it down like you need it to stay right there ... what it does is ... tap 1 corner and it has the effect of gently lifting the other 3 ... that way hit the 4 corners and its likely to come off ...
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: Roscoe_P_SoultrainDo you mean just grab a corner of the valve cover and give it a yank?

Sometimes they stick real good after many miles.  I take a block of wood and push an edge in where the gasket is and tap it upwards with a hammer.  Pops it right off.  Wood doesn't mark the valve cover.

Thank you all for the assistance. The valve cover has been successfully removed.

Important engine servicing lesson learned: when in doubt, apply impact force.