What steps should I take to protect the engine while I have the valve covers off? I don't have access to an enclosed space to leave it; just my carport. Is closing the hood enough to keep the engine safe?
I did mine in my Uhaul storage unit (I stored my car for perhaps three years when I was living in an apartment without a garage). I remember sticking a microfiber towel in the cavity around the timing chain out of fear I'd drop something down there. Other than that, I did not concern myself much about it.