Popping the valve cover. Replace CCV parts before or after?

I'm removing my valve cover tonight to do the MMO lifter soak. I also have one leaky CCV grommet, so I plan on replacing that and the elbows at the same time.

Would it be better to try and remove those guys with the valve cover on the engine or off, or does it not matter?

Depending on how tightly the grommets are fit into the cover, it might be better to take them off first, so the engine can be your "third hand" and keep the thing from wiggling around (and potentially getting oil everywhere) while you're using your other two to pry them out...

If they're crumbling, it might be better to cut them out after you pull the cover so you don't get crap falling in.

lawsoncl said:

If they're crumbling, it might be better to cut them out after you pull the cover so you don't get crap falling in.

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They're not crumbling, so I think I'll take them out first.