Changing cam cover on a warm engine?

[Bainbridge]

Just looking for things to do on the bank holiday after boxing day because I'll have cabin fever by then I was thinking of getting the engine warm and then being toasty warm while I replace the plastic cam cover (there's a small leak which is getting bigger).

Is this a bad idea?

[E-bmw]

Not sure why you think it could be a bad idea unless you have sensitive hands.

[GreenV8S]

Sometimes working outside is unavoidable, but I wouldn't have thought that was urgent enough to justify working outside during the coldest weather of the year.

If you are working in the engine bay, getting it nice and warm is a very sensible thing to do. Don't get it hot enough to burn.

One very useful trick for working in cold weather is to use a metal toolbox and warm all your tools up to uncomfortably hot before you take them outside. It makes a world of difference to pick up tools that act as hand warmers rather than hand freezers.

[Krikkit]

Definitely fine, I'd be tempted to leave it for 5 minutes before you start working away so you don't breathe in the oil vapours.

[Bainbridge]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll be wearing my mechanix gloves (I highly recommend them) and it'll be nice and warm with a bit of heat radiating from the engine. I might also get made a couple of cups of tea if I'm lucky. Great idea warming up the tools!