Valve Rocker Arm Cover Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Sonoma and 2002 Chevrolet S10 Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Clean the valve rocker arm cover mating surface.
Clean the valve rocker arm cover. Remove all sludge and oil deposits.
Ensure that the oil/air separator passages in the cover are clean by flushing them with solvent.
Inspect the valve rocker arm cover for damage. Replace the valve rocker arm cover if any damage is found.
Install a new rocker arm cover gasket when installing the rocker arm cover.

Fig 1: Valve Rocker Arm Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.