[greenberet123]

How can I get this ESS seal off of my valve cover? I am prying it with a screwdriver but I can only get a thin layer of rubber off. There seems to be a metallic ring underneath that, is that also part of the seal. I don't want to put too much force and break anything. Is there an easy way to do this, it just seems stuck. Can I push it from the otherside? Thanks!

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[08TUNDRA]

looks to be similar to the front main seal where you could just tap it out, from the back, if you don't care about the seal you could try pulling it out with a hook shaped pick tool.

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by 08TUNDRA

looks to be similar to the front main seal where you could just tap it out, from the back, if you don't care about the seal you could try pulling it out with a hook shaped pick tool.

I would agree here. Shouldn't be a big deal since you have another to replace it with.

One guy recommended replacing it after the VC was laid back down. But if you have the VC lined up in place it's not going to matter.

Hairline cracks in the area could be a bit of a growing concern though.

[Efthreeoh]

Cut it with a Dremel tool a few milimeters from the inside radially out to the edge. Then pry it out.

[greenberet123]

Thanks! Put a screwdriver under it and hammer it in, came out after a bit.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by greenberet123

How can I get this ESS seal off of my valve cover? I am prying it with a screwdriver but I can only get a thin layer of rubber off.

Here's the TIS procedure -- note that it describes the process with the Valve Cover installed and the ESS in the center of the gasket. You need a very thin metal blade, such as a putty knife or knife blade to wedge between the plastic valve cover and the flat outer circumference of the seal and as with most circular seals, you have to pry up a VERY little at a time from one side, then 180-opposed, then change 90 degrees & repeat (3 o'clock, 9, 12, 6, etc.):
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...lid/1VnYDt5VKK

I have NOT done the procedure, but it appears less likely to crack/break the Valve Cover if it is in place. Like most procedures, access and proper tool (along with patience) are the difficult part of the job.

If someone other than you may have worked on that part previously, better examine closely with magnification & bright light to see if some genius didn't used epoxy or such to make sure it didn't leak.

George