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Hey, I need to replace my valve cover gasket, as there is oil pooling on top of my header. I know lots of you have done this before and I was wondering if you would be so kind as to share some tips, do's and dont's (And maybe a link to a DIY...) as I have never done it before. I was also thinking about maybe painting the valve cover since I'm going to have it off.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 244

Well, it's incredibly simple:

1. pull spark plug boots off of plugs
2. remove 5 bolts
3. lift off valve cover
4. remove gasket (will stick to cover or head)
5. dry oil off of all mating surfaces
6. put new gasket in valve cover
7. replace valve cover
8. replace 5 bolts (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!) in 3 steps...final torque is 7.2 pounds (yes, very very light).
9. reinstall spark plug boots

 
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I spent a few hours reading the PDF of the 6th Gen service manual and came to the same conclusion; it is quite simple. Just wanted to be safe! Thanks for the info though

 
Rep Power: 244

You are welcome. As I mentioned before, just don't overtighten the bolts! Seven ft. pounds is extremely light.

 
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super easy pull off the valve cover and pull off the old gasket and put the new one on. easy

 
Rep Power: 245

WRONG!

This is real important...

Apply sealant to the corners of the humps in the valve cover. This is where the cover goes up and over the cam. Use either Hondabond (avalable from your Honda Stealership) or Permatex Ultra Grey (available at any auto parts store). If you don't do this your cover will leak.

 
Rep Power: 244

Sql: I haven't used any sealant since my 1987 Prelude (sold running perfectly at 180,000 miles-did valve lash adjustments every 15,000 miles faithfully). I used to adjust my valves on my 5G Civics every 30,000 miles and never used any with no leaks etc. I adjusted valves once on both of my 6G's (d16y8 and d16y7) with no leaks after not applying any sealant.

That being said, yes Honda service manuals have always recommend using them in those locations. And yes, Hondabond and Permatex Ultra Gray are essentially identical.

 
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Yeah, I remember reading that in the service manual. I have some good Permatex that I plan on using. A mom and pop shop did the valve cover gasket 6 months ago and it held for awhile but then started leaking about 2 months ago. I think they forgot to Permatex. I was about to take it back but then decided to paint the valve cover so I thought what the hay, I'll have it off anyway...

 
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dude ive never used sealant on any of my valve covers and theres never been a leak. so if you want to waste your time and money go ahead, but i dont so WRONG!

 
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I figure it can't hurt, right?

thanks for the opinions though, guys

 
Rep Power: 244

No, it can't hurt at all. Just make sure you use Ultra Black (sticks to aluminum) or Ultra Grey (better as it's for aluminum, high temp AND pressure). If the old one is leaking, it's most likely torn or damaged in some way.

 
Rep Power: 244

No, it can't hurt at all. Just make sure you use Ultra Black (sticks to aluminum) or Ultra Grey (better as it's for aluminum, high temp AND pressure). If the old one is leaking, it's most likely torn or damaged in some way.

 
Rep Power: 245

Listen kid, I've got so much more experience than you with Hondas and other cars/engines it just makes laugh at your ignorant comment. But that's ok, you go ahead save your precious time and money - eventually you'll grow up and learn from your mistakes.

 
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Hi guys,

I’m new here and I found this forum on the internet while looking for some information about Valve Cover Gaskets, I own a 2001 Civic 1.4 sport, the ones that came out until March 2001, if I’m not wrong, ( Between 1996, I think, to 2001), the car has now 54000 miles and I have noticed some wet stuff around the Valve Cover gasket. I was planning to buy a spark plug torque wrench to change the spark plugs my self, is not the first time I do this, but not in this car, so this time I want to do it right with the right tightening torque.

I thought I could tight the valve cover a bit more, to prevent the leak to go further, am’ I right? That’s why I’m asking to hear the everyone’s opinion.

I just read some information about the tightening torque for the Valve Cover Gasket, so I thought I could use a bit more in it to prevent leaking without buying a new gasket right now, and then in next service I could do it and saves me some money for now.

I would be really appreciate if someone can give me some opinion.

 
Rep Power: 245

I've had some success tightening down bolts to slow down or stop leaks. BUT BE REAL CAREFULL. THOSE BOLTS BREAK EASY.

 
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Hi,

I'm new to this forum.

I know this topic is nearly 1 yr old but....
Re Permatex ultra grey (82194). What's the diff btw/ ultra grey
and Permatex ultra copper (81878)? Other than the high temp
limit. Can ultra copper be substituted for ultra grey in applications
involving the valve cover gasket or the oil pan gasket? Is the
high-torque vibration resistance parameter what makes this RTV
silicone desirable?

Thanks.

MVC

 
Rep Power: 204

Thx for the bump...subscribed.

 
Rep Power: 244

The Ultra Grey is for higher pressure and is extremely similar to Honda Bond and will stick to different materials.

 
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Should you buy a genuine Honda valve cover gasket or one from auto zone??