Valve cover removal tips

[nsmall]

I need to take my  valve covers off as I am painting the engine and want to mock up my new valve covers.

Does anyone have any tips?  I dont want damage the OEM covers.  At this point the bolts are removed and they are stuck on pretty tight.

Thanks

[Cuda Cody]

Sometime people will use a bit of sealant to get them to stop leaking.  If you have all the fasteners off, they will come off with a little persuasion.

[rebelyell]

Rock them back and forth intake to manifold.  May have to put a little muscle into it, but they'll come off.

[70/6chall]

For a stubborn VC, the rocking method is a useful tip, I've used it myself. I've used a putty knife and carefully pried the cover a little at a time. Be forceful but gentle and you'll be able to get cover and gasket off at same time. This goes to show be complete but sparing with the gasket sealer.     
      Thanks,   Al

[cudabob496]

heat them up with a hair dryer

[nsmall]

Got er did.  Thank for the advice.