I am going to change the rear bank spark plugs as well as replacing the rocker cover gasket and tube seals very soon and I am wondering do I need to drain the engine oil before opening the rocker cover?

I would like to do it when the engine is totally cool but if I have to drain the oil I would have to run the car for a while first right?

Any prompt replies would be much appreciated!

Nope, leave the oil in.
Don't do as I did, which was to work on a warm engine. When I took the rear rocker cover off oil went everywhere (exhaust mainly). Best doing it cold after an overnight draindown, even then use rags to catch any oil that appears when you lift the rear cover.

(and I hope you have read past threads that ermphasise getting the torque on the rocker cover bolts exactly right.)

Thanks MadMax!

I don't have a torque wrench should I just tighten it just tight enough but not too tight?

Thanks MadMax!

I don't have a torque wrench should I just tighten it just tight enough but not too tight?

Seeing it is such a pain to get to those bolts in the first place, and the consequences of not getting them right, I'd put the job off and buy a $45 quarter inch drive torque wrench off ebay.

No human has yet been born that can accurately judge 3.5 Nm of torque with their wrists. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it! lol

OK... will start off asking if my friend has one and pray that supercheap auto would go on sale tomorrow :S

Appreciated!

Nope, no need to drain. Oil and rockers get hot after the car has been driven. Just remember that.