I need to replace a valve cover gasket on one motor, anyone ever tried to remove a valve cover without taking the manifold off. It has stainless marine exhaust on it. Looks like it may work with a 1/4 drive universal socket just not sure if the cover will clear the rockers. Thanks in advance.

I've managed to remove the valve cover without pulling the exhaust, BUT you need to loosen the manifold and remove the riser. I would remove all the bolts except the first and last. This allows you to pull the exhaust away from the engine, and makes installation way easier as everything is still lined up. Good luck!

I put 4" long bolts in end holes of manifold, if needed us Mr.Gasket gasket w/ sloted end holes Ken

I have removed the valve covers on my 502's with stainless marine exhaust without loosening the manifold bolts. As stated , with a 1/4" drive u joint and extension. My covers have allen heads tho , not sure if it would clear with hex head bolts.

Depends on what heads and what valve covers. I've gotten at some and others no way

Stock 088's and stock valve covers. I'm gonna try it. If everyone said fook no I wasn't going to waist time trying.

Better to just pull exhaust man.TONS of room then to get the job done right......

You should be able to do it then. 1/4" long extension and univ wobble.

Swapped most of my valve cover bolts over to allen head bolts, I to have SM exhaust, the allens let you use the ball socket style drivers. That seams to be a little better than playing with a socket on a wobble. I put the bottom bolts in first (valve cover side) and get them snugged then the top ones, that will get the bottom of the valve cover tighter.

IMO, this is the best method and the way we do it. Works great.
Eddie