Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - Getting Ready

[Jakepr26]

Hey, I'm going to replace my valve cover gasket, spark plugs, and spark plug wires on my 2002 Ranger XLT 2.3L, and I just wanted to see if there was anything else I should replace since I'm doing this job (i.e. replace the brake pads because you have to remove them anyways to replace the rotors).

I have a spark plug socket, but will I need any other specialty tools to get this job done correctly?

 

[pjtoledo]

with the top off, now would be a good time to check for wear on the cam followers.
I have about 294,500 on my '05, its about due for its first valve cover gasket.


Perry

 

[Jakepr26]

Thanks for the tip.

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

I replaced the plugs and wires in my 2008 2.3L about 1.5 years ago and the only thing I needed other than the spark plug socket was an extension. Can't remember the length but it was easier than I thought. I started with cylinder #4 and worked myself forward from there. Make sure you put anti-seize on the spark plugs in case you have to pull them out again.

 

[Jakepr26]

Thank you for tge reply. The extension necessary is the 6", but adding another 3" helps clear the ratchet for almost 360 on 1-3. This tune up is definitely going to be easier than it was on my same year S10, where the wires had to each fir through a squeezed hole down to the distributor cap on the passenger side of the block where the only access was over the tire. Do any of y'all think I'll need to or should replace the Intake Manifold Gasket since I have to remove the Intake Manifold to replace the Valve Cover Gasket?

 

[enjr44]

If you remove the intake I would replace the gasket on installation. Personally, I consider almost all gaskets as a one use items.

Edit: And I would use Motorcraft or Felpro gaskets. Off brand gaskets have been known to fail prematurely.