Valve Cover Install

• May 3, 2021

• #1

OllieC

Well-Known Member

SILVER Sponsor

Mar 11, 2013

6,902

N.W. ‘Sconnie

Boat Info

Sara Belle
2005 Weekender 215

Engines

Mercruiser 5.0 mpi, Bravo III

I ordered some new valve covers gaskets and PCV because there was a little oil on the threads of the spark plugs. The current covers are probably okay with just some surface rust, but I bit the bullet anyway.

It looks like I may have to remove the elbows and risers to get good access. I just installed the elbows and risers two weekends ago. If I remove the risers and elbows, will I have to reorder new gaskets? I added Perfect Seal to the water ports as instructed. Is it possible to install the valve covers without removing them?

Thanks,
Ollie

 

• May 3, 2021

• #2

amajamar

Active Member

Sep 9, 2013

228

Onset, MA

Boat Info

2001 380 Sundancer

Engines

8.1S Horizons

I don't know if you have to remove the elbows for access, but if you do and the gaskets are the graphite type, you will need to replace them, I am fairly certain.

 

• May 3, 2021

• #3

OllieC

Well-Known Member

SILVER Sponsor

Mar 11, 2013

6,902

N.W. ‘Sconnie

Boat Info

Sara Belle
2005 Weekender 215

Engines

Mercruiser 5.0 mpi, Bravo III

amajamar said:

I don't know if you have to remove the elbows for access, but if you do and the gaskets are the graphite type, you will need to replace them, I am fairly certain.

Click to expand...

They are the silver metal type that came with the OEM risers

 

• May 3, 2021

• #4

amajamar

Active Member

Sep 9, 2013

228

Onset, MA

Boat Info

2001 380 Sundancer

Engines

8.1S Horizons

They will be compressed and damaged and will not be able to be reinstalled. I have always replaced them every time I disassemble and reassemble.

 

• May 3, 2021

• #5

S

scoflaw

Well-Known Member

Aug 10, 2011

6,395

cape cod mass, cape coral fl

Boat Info

1999 Powerquest legend 260 sx 502 mag
2005 Baja 242 islander 496

Engines

502 mpi Bravo 1
496 mag B1

You'll be fine reusing those. The critical seal is the water passage that has the orange rubber, the exhaust section has the graphite. I would try to wiggle those center bolt valve covers off first.

 

• May 3, 2021

• #6

Soulshine

Well-Known Member

Sep 25, 2016

1,352

Seneca Lake, NY

Boat Info

'83 SRV 360 Express

Engines

Twin Merc. 454

If you can get the valve covers off you can put them back on but it might be tight.

The center bolt helps but they have to clear the rocker arms. All this with the gaskets slipping all over the place.

I missed boat work over the winter but the last few weeks have taken a toll.

Good luck.

 

• May 3, 2021

• #7

OllieC

Well-Known Member

SILVER Sponsor

Mar 11, 2013

6,902

N.W. ‘Sconnie

Boat Info

Sara Belle
2005 Weekender 215

Engines

Mercruiser 5.0 mpi, Bravo III

Dang.... I may wait a season then. I don’t want to tear everything back down again. Maybe just changing the PCV will do for a season.