What Else Should I Do During a Crank and Head Gasket Replacement?

[RetroTexan]

First time I've ever needed to replace the crankshaft cover and cylinder head (inner/outer) gaskets. They are cracked and leaking oil. I was planning to check and adjust the valve clearances while I was at it. But what other maintenance should I do while I've got it cracked open?

[frankenduck]

The most important thing to worry about is only torqueing the cover bolts to spec. (8 Nm)  They are shoulder bolts and if you over-tighten them you will strip the threads where they mount.

Start with the center bolts and work outward in an X pattern.

You should also replace the rubber bushings on all of those bolts - part 11141460934

[blackie1]

have you downloaded a repair manual?
lots of good tips in there.
for instance

"Cylinder head cover-installing
Apply a thin coat of Hi-Temp Black RTV Silicone Gasket Maker  to the front edge of the housing (cylinder head/timing case cover/cylinder
head cover).

also a smear on the half moons.

[Chaos]

What frankenduck said about replacing the rubber bushings.  Since the bolts are shouldered it's the bushings that actually apply pressure to the casting.  If they get old they might not apply enough to keep the new gasket from leaking.  And assuming you'll check valve clearances while you're in there.