Finally getting around to trying to fix the oil leaks on the engine.  The valve covers were leaking pretty bad and running down the engine all over.  I'm hoping that the oil around the oil pan is just leaking and blowing around from the gaskets. It was getting bad enough that there was a small puddle of oil on the exhaust manifold.

The job doesn't look too bad, the hardest part is likely getting them snaked out without taking off too many lines.

1. I started by removing the alternator and then realized I needed to remove the bracket that holds the AC compressor too.  I pulled the alternator all the way out, but disconnecting the power plug and removing the 2 bolts holding it.  I then had enough hose to scoot the plate with AC compressor  

2. Removed the spark plug wires from the distributor (remember the order)

3. From the passenger side remove the breaker hose connected to the cover. I also had to remove the 2 vacuum hoses to make room to get the cover out

4. After removing the 7 bolts and spreaders, you may need to pry the cover off.  I gave it a few rapps with a rubber mallet first and then it came off with a flathead screwdriver under the corner.

5. For the driver side similar remove the air input line and air filter cover and the 7 bolts.  

6. I was able to snake the passenger side i was able to slide it out the front.  Driver side it came out the rear due to the oil fill neck.

7. Put some clean rags over the valves to keep anything from falling in while you work.

8. I tried paint stripper but it wouldn't budge. Shown is after paint stripper and my Dremel with a small wire wheel. I bought a grinder and wire wheel and that did the trick

9. Painted them first with primer, then paint, first silver base coat then red. Last was some clear. Make sure you use high temp engine paint

10. To seal the gasket I added a thin layer of liquid gasket sealer, then the cork gasket, then a layer of sealer.

11. One of the bolts is slightly stripped, I considered drilling and putting in a heli-coil. You would want M6x1.0 coils like this. In the end i found that with a slightly larger screw I was able to pick up enough threads and save the headache.

12. Assembled in the reverse order. 

A couple days later I found a coolant leak, I think i cracked one of the hoses when i had to flex them around.  Adding it to the list.

In the end they came out nice, hopefully the don't leak anymore.  The red is more of an orange but it looks smooth and didn't have any runs. I don't know if the silver did anything for the color but I hoped it would add some sparkle. One of these days I need to  paint the  intake manifold to match.  I did look into power coating but it was more money than I wanted to spend.