Topic: Removing stuck tappet covers - help!

[Magpie]

I've managed to loosen 4 of the 8 tappet covers but the last 4 - no way so far. The po used some sort of sealant and of course I've managed to pretty much round off the 17mm head on them. I sprayed some penetrating oil called Creep on the inside and letting it soak for a bit. I heated it as well before doing this. Any hints to get these 4 buggers please and thanks!
Cliff.

[Simpson]

Here's what I would do... Of course I'm sure others will have much better suggestions.
Keeping in mind you need all new replacement tappet covers:

1.) Remove valve cover from engine
2.) Heat tappet cover slighly
3.) Tap carefully with rubber mallet or hammer to shock sealant
4.) Latch on aggressively with vice and turn

[robdrobd]

I hammered a the next size smaller socket onto the rounded cover, then I used a 20 inch pipe for leverage.

[Magpie]

THANKS Simpson! The vice worked and only 1 small mark in the covernbear #4 exhaust. This place is such an incredible resource centre! 
robdrobd, thank you too. I'll keep that in mind for next time if there is one. Good thing I have a spare set of covers.
Cliff.

[fmctm1sw]

I've grabbed at them with vice grips...  Some you can only get like that with the valve cover off though IIRC...

[Simpson]

Woohoo! The project moves forward. 

[mystic_1]

Know you got them off already, but for the future and for others if you have to go at them with vise grips, clamp onto the outside diameter of the covers rather than the hex, that'll give you more leverage.

mystic_1

[bucky katt]

i have some spare tappet covers if you need em. they need to be cleaned up and polished (they were on a motor that was stored outdoors before i got it)

[shizzomynizzo]

You would have chewed em up pretty bad, but a pipe wrench will never fail!

I had a stuck filler bolt on my tranny in my jeep and after about an hour of effing around with it, a little light bulb came on and I picked up a pipe wrench. Tightened it back up with it too, so I'm going to be the a$$hole PO when the next owner tries to change the fluid!

[Magpie]

mystic_1, that's how I got the last one off. Unbelievable how tight they were. It's a good reminder just to snug them up when putting them on.
bucky katt, thanks for the offer. I have a number of spares but will keep you in mind.
Cheers,
Cliff.

[mick7504]

A smear of silicon grease on the o rings helps too and as mystic_1 mentioned, just nip/snug 'em up.
I don't recall ever seeing an oil leak there.
Mick