is it really necessary to remove upper intake to remove valve covers?

[gdk771]

I have oil leaks on my valve covers on my 96 Ranger 4.0. I was looking at the engine and it appears I can remove the valve covers without removing the upper intake like I have heard. The drivers side will be tight and the EGR tube from upper intake will have to be removed. Has anyone done this before or should I just plan to remove the upper intake also?

I was also curious if I should attempt to replace the pushrods / rocker arms? This engine has had a light tick since it had 140k on it. It currently has 215k but the tick has stayed the same level the past 12 years so mabey I should just leave well enough alone.

Thanks

 

[rolltide6019]

I don't know if its possible or not but removing the intake is pretty simple; my 18 year old son did it twice yesterday trying to solve an issue. Takes him about 15 minutes to remove it. Once its off, you have a lot more room to work with. Just my opinion.

 

[adsm08]

To do the passenger side no, it is pretty easy to get off with the intake on.

The driver's side valve cover can't be removed with the intake in place. There isn't really any way to get to the inboard bolts, but there also isnt enough room to clear the rocker arms with the intake in the way.

But as was said, that intake is very easy to remove, even with EGR it only takes a few mintues to get it off.

 

[gdk771]

OK Thanks for the replies guys...

I will go ahead and remove the intake then. Just need to get some intake gaskets