AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Under the Hood & HVAC => Topic started by: JONAS78028 on July 25, 2017, 10:04:42 AM

Title: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on July 25, 2017, 10:04:42 AM
I'm looking to replace the factory plastic valve cover on my 258 with the one in the link below.  The ad says it fits 1981-87 jeeps but I suspect it will also fit Eagles as well.  I read somewhere that there are a couple of holes that need to be tapped as well?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/omx-1740108/overview/make/jeep
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: trucker79005 on July 25, 2017, 10:56:51 AM
I'm needing the same thing and somewhere I read that https://www.yourcovers.com/valve_covers_8656.php this place made the best ones. I have one in my cart and haven't been able to make myself check out yet because they are pretty pricey.. there is something in the reviews of the summit racing one about rocker arm bridges that is mentioned on pml's site. I don't know exactly what they're talking about but you might. Good luck!
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: amcfool1 on July 25, 2017, 12:12:51 PM
hi, yes, that valve cover will fit, but be aware there is some drilling/tapping involved. Also, you will have to source the gasket for it, and the two top grommets., and the oil fill cap. best to get the whole kit from 4wdr hardware. OR, get the PML, it really is the best one out there, and has a billet aluminum O-RING! style screw in oil fill cap.
Either way, good luck, gz

ps, the stock plastic valve cover was/is held on by two nuts through the top. these attach to studs on two rocker arm bridges. For Either of these, those studs have be removed, though PML offers you an option to keep them, read their description. This is no big deal, either you buy two NON studded rocker bridges for a couple of $$, or, just take the old ones and hacksaw the stud off.
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: trucker79005 on July 25, 2017, 12:33:54 PM
hi, yes, that valve cover will fit, but be aware there is some drilling/tapping involved.
Am I assuming correctly that the pml valve cover requires drilling and tapping also??
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: mudkicker715 on July 25, 2017, 07:07:53 PM
Careful when drilling to not drill into the water jacket.
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: amcfool1 on July 25, 2017, 11:44:03 PM
hi, the PML cover does NOT require drilling/tapping on the DRIVERS side, which is the "problem" side,where if you drill  too deep you may hit water. It MAY require tapping two/three holes on passenger side, which are much easier, and MAY already be tapped depending on the year of your Eagle. This can be done with the head on the car. On the drivers side the cover is held down by large black "washers" and nuts on the studded headbolts. Just like stock. Post a pic or two of your current cover, and lets have a look at it. good luck, gz
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on July 26, 2017, 04:42:15 PM
The PML cover would be a direct fit for my engine but I just don't care for the "tribal tattoo" art design on the top of it.
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: trucker79005 on July 26, 2017, 07:11:11 PM
I'll not be showing mine so the design doesn't mean much. What did you read that tells you it's a direct fit? Mine is the same year
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: amcfool1 on July 26, 2017, 07:45:08 PM
hi if you read PMls description thoroughly, including the installation instructions, it should explain all. Even gives you the Napa #gasket to use. I put one in on a friends 84 Eagle last year, it looks and fits great. As for the design, well that is a personal taste issue, but on his, he got the black one, it looks awesome. good luck, gz  ps, you can always call 'em up and talk to 'em, and ask any questions you have.
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on July 27, 2017, 08:01:00 AM
I'll not be showing mine so the design doesn't mean much. What did you read that tells you it's a direct fit? Mine is the same year
The PML cover is designed to replace the plastic valve cover.  It bolts directly in place and doesn't require drilling and tapping like the covers from Summit, etc. 

hi if you read PMls description thoroughly, including the installation instructions, it should explain all. Even gives you the Napa #gasket to use. I put one in on a friends 84 Eagle last year, it looks and fits great. As for the design, well that is a personal taste issue, but on his, he got the black one, it looks awesome. good luck, gz  ps, you can always call 'em up and talk to 'em, and ask any questions you have.
Thanks for your input.  Even though it's not my favorite by its looks... I ordered the PML valve cover and should receive it by next week.  I'll post up some pics of the install and results once I get it done.
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: trucker79005 on July 27, 2017, 12:28:46 PM
Great information! amcfool1, I went back to the site and found the directions :-[ Thanks! Now all I have to do is get the wallet pried open and order....
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on August 06, 2017, 04:26:39 PM
The PML cover was not a matter of simply bolting it on like I had hoped.  I ended up tapping the 3 passenger side holes and sourcing a couple of flange nuts at the last minute on a Saturday morning.
 I have included some pictures of my work...
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on August 06, 2017, 04:27:48 PM
A few more pics...
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on August 06, 2017, 04:28:46 PM
and a few more...
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: trucker79005 on August 08, 2017, 09:17:33 PM
Thanks for all the work you put into the pictures! Still haven't ordered mine. The man that's helping with with my latest acquisition bought one of the $100 ones like are on ebay. Don't know yet how the install has gone.
That is a very sharp looking car!
Title: Re: Will this valve cover fit?
Post by: JONAS78028 on August 09, 2017, 12:40:00 PM
Thanks!
Another piece of advice that I can offer is to unbolt the wiper motor and clean out the leaves and debris BEFORE removing the old valve cover.  Lesson learned on that one!