[clfrye]

I took my valve covers to get powder coated black and the shop was unwilling to go it becuase of a thick rubber ring inside the valve cover. Anyone know how to take it out without cutting it or removing the metal plate in front of it?

[stlwagon]

Someone else was asking the same thing earlier. I'm going to see if I can find anything.

[stlwagon]

Do you mean the ring where the VVT solenoid connector is?

[GTFIREMAN]

The thick green gasket?

I took a razerknife and cut it at the smallest part then rotated it out, then placed it back. Worked for two sets of valve covers.

[Craigsmustang]

I have my valve covers off and am bringing them to the coater tomorrow. I just looked and couldnt see any rubber ring. I did remove the VVT seals using a 13/16 socket and hammer. Just tap the seal out from the inside of the valve cover.

[myltlpny]

I was able to pry mine out with a thin blade screwdriver, working slowly around the outside perimeter. Hitting it from the inside didn't seem to help in my case. You have to be careful as the magnesium is brittle. I seem to remember I had to put the screwdriver under the lip, and lever the plug out toward the inside.