My passenger side valve pan cover gasket has a small leak. I went to change it but I noticed there is a bolt way in the back that is right next to a black bracket of some sort. It is so close to the bracket that I can't even get a socket down there.

Does anyone have any idea how I can get to that last bolt that is holding me back ?

Also if only the passenger side valve pan cover gasket it leaking is that all I need to replace or should I replace both at the same time ?
Does the valve pan cover gasket need any rtv sealant or is the gasket itself good enough ??

I hope you guys can help me through this just like you helped me save $150 by talking me through how to change my water pump.

 

That bracket is an engine lift bracket. You can either a) unbolt it, which a quite the pain in the ***; or b) bend it out of the way. To bend it out of the way, merely take a piece of angle iron, set it up on the bracket, and take a hammer to angle iron. Be careful though, as there are heater hoses that run back there I believe. Do a little at a time, and then check clearance. You might as well do both side while you're at it. The gaskets are just rubber strips that sit in a recess in the covers. Driver side will require you to remove the coil plate. While they are out, this will give you the perfect opportunity to clean up your valve covers, maybe even give them a few coats of spray paint, for a nice look.

 

02StanGT, thanks again for all your help. I thought of bending it but I wasn't sure what it was and I didn't want to bend something that was going to cause a problem.
I didn't see you mention anything about any sealant so I guess the gasket itself is efficient.

 

The gasket itself will work, correct.

 

yes the gasket is sufficent in itself no sealer needed should be a pretty quick job too and like he said might as well throw some paint on it if its looking rough while they are out