changing valve cover gaskets

[doodah man]

I'm going to change my valve cover gaskets this weekend, because of a big leak there. I've got the replacements, some degreaser, a scraper, and some spray gasket adhesive, but I'm wondering how much of a mess it makes when you pull the covers. I'm going to do it with the engine cold, so I'm guess most of the oil will drain down. How much should I expect to pour out? And is there a good way to keep it off the exhaust manifolds? I was thinking about covering them with some tin foil.

I'm also wondering how to straighten them if they are warped around the bolt holes.

Are there any valve train checks I should make when I have covers off?

Thanks as always.

[DT1]

If the engine is cold, all but some residue will under the covers. You probably won't get any oil to speak of on anything.

[leddzepp]

Use Fel Pro Perma Dry Plus gaskets to make sure you don't get any more leaks.

[Lippyp]

I did mine yesterday, pulled the remains of the old cork gaskets off, cleaned the faces up with a scraper, old single sided razor blade, wire brush and some cellulose thinners, straightened the flanges with a hammer on my anvil and then glued the new gaskets to the covers with some gasket sealant, very little oil will come out as long as its had time to drain down. I also cleaned the edges of the head where the gasket sits with more thinners on a rag.