looking for a valve cover

[caleb_fleming]

I've almost got my 85 Eagle running just right still need a few parts.  I was replacing the valve cover gasket the other day and cracked it on the top.  It's the plastic one they put on in the mid 80's. Was hoping someone on here has one to get rid of or can point me in the right direction.  Also wondering if thier is a metal one that I could replace it with I really just don't like how the plastic one fits on the head.  It's a little warped from the heat over the years.  Thanks for any help.

[shanebo]

After market aluminum valve covers are readily available for these 258's. However you may find someone on here looking sell a used one....New they are around $100.00 last I checked.

[caleb_fleming]

Thanks guys I found the valve cover I needed on eBay for 79 bucks. Brand new aluminum cover with 4.2L on it prefect.  I love this site you guys have all the answers.  thanks again.

[DaemonForce]

What a coincidence...I'm also looking for a new valve cover. Do the 4.0 and 4.2 covers swap with each other? I find nothing but plastic ones in the junkyards and the last time I tried to undo an aluminum cover, I snapped it. I've been looking at the cheap Spectre and Trans-Dapt chrome covers on Summit Racing but they don't say they'll replace a factory plastic cover. Am I missing something or is this just the classic case of making every AMC restoration into an I-know-nothing chore?

[BenM]

What a coincidence...I'm also looking for a new valve cover. Do the 4.0 and 4.2 covers swap with each other? I find nothing but plastic ones in the junkyards and the last time I tried to undo an aluminum cover, I snapped it. I've been looking at the cheap Spectre and Trans-Dapt chrome covers on Summit Racing but they don't say they'll replace a factory plastic cover. Am I missing something or is this just the classic case of making every AMC restoration into an I-know-nothing chore?

Your best bet is to get the aftermarket Aluminum, for the cost of the Good plastic cover gasket ($60 last I looked) you're almost there. Just be very careful with the taps.

There are three valve cover patters common on AMCs, and the Eagle used all three. 80 and early 81 were steel; 81-87 were plastic; Beginning mid-87 were Aluminum and were continued unchanged on the 4.0 head.

They all mount to the head in different ways with unique bolt patterns, and are not easily exchanged.

My original engine had an aluminum cover. If you're ever removing the Aluminum cover there is a bolt on the back at the firewall that's darn near impossible to get to, weather aftermarket or stock 87+. Also, the gasket is sealed from the factory with goop, bring a utility knife and a putty knife.

[mudkicker715]

With the proper extension and u joint that bolt is easy as sin to get. i forget what size bolt exactly, but small socket extension size to come to the top of the valve cover than ujoint another extension and 1/4" ratchet. should get it. i use air tools but it should only be seconds

[Prafeston]

There is a huge thread on this aftermarket valve cover replacement. It's long but there is a ton of good info there.

 http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=7597.0

[carnuck]

There are at least 3 different 4.0 and 4.2L valve cover patterns.