Replacing Valve Cover Gasket?

[2ndGenPreludeSi]

Hey, I have to replace my valve cover gasket, and maybe paint the cover while it's off the car. I was just wandering if theres anything I should look for or inspect while the valve cover is off? Also, do I need to use a torque wrench to tighten it back down, or will it be fine if I just be careful to not tighten it down to much? Any advice would be appreciated!

[g.frost]

If you haven't done it in a while, get the feeler gauges out and carefully set the valve lash. This will make for a smooth running motor. That's the best thing you can do while the valve covers off.

[Dr_Snooz]

Setting valve lash is good. If you're having trouble with leakage, you can make sure it isn't warped by setting it on a flat surface and seeing if it wobbles. I recommend a torque wrench, because it will be hard not overtighten it without one. Replace the gasket and dab some RTV on the sharp corners where it goes over the cam to seal it before tightening it down.

[2ndGenPreludeSi]

Yeah I'll be sure to get a fresh gasket. I've never adjusted valves before, are there any tips you guys would have for a first timer. They aren't too noisy, especially for an older car.

[Dr_Snooz]

Yeah, they get quieter when left go. You want them to be a little noisy or you risk burning a valve. My best advice is to read the Honda OEM manual and give it a go. It's one of those rare repairs that goes more by feel than specific measurement. You'll get the feel when you've done it enough times. Until then, just keep at it. The Accord manual is here (http://honda.roadpwnage.com/manuals/pages/usdm-accord-1989-full.php)and I suspect the adjustment procedure is the same for a Prelude.

[2ndGenPreludeSi]

Allright, I'll give it a try and post back if I run into any problems, Thank you both for the help

[2ndGenPreludeSi]

I didn't get around to adjusting the valves but I made my valve cover super cool (I think so anyways)


Before http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/th_P1000483.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/?action=view&current=P1000483.jpg)


After http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/th_P1000553.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/?action=view&current=P1000553.jpg)

You can click on them to make them bigger!

[SharkyX]

what did you use to do that

[RAZR]

what did you use to do that

You can get metal polishing kits from summit or jegs and they work pretty well.

[POS carb]

the aluminum valve covers are great. Just use a paint stripper and polish. if they are really bad wet sand them before polishing. The stamped steel ones that come on the carbed cars like to leak at the ends by the cam. I have a 2gee aluminum cover but the pcv grommet is hard to come by

[Noobspice]

I didn't get around to adjusting the valves but I made my valve cover super cool (I think so anyways)


Before http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/th_P1000483.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/?action=view&current=P1000483.jpg)


After http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/th_P1000553.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee425/brandonickolasgibson/?action=view&current=P1000553.jpg)

You can click on them to make them bigger!

hey man I know this is a super old thread but I couldn't find any info on what to set my torque wrench to for the valve cover. Any info would be much appreciated.

[Oldblueaccord]

Very low I think its 10 ft lbs.

You can download the shop manual from the sticky on top of the page.

[AC439]

I think its 7 ft-lb if I remember correctly. Before, I was not using any torque wrench and overtightening them. After torquing it to spec, no more oil leak from gasket.

[hatchback_wes]

For sure it's 7lb? I changed my head gasket yesterday and when I started the engine oil was spewing out. I think I didn't tighten it enough, over tightened, or didn't set the head correctly

[ShiRen]

Use your calibrated elbow and a 1/4" ratchet, oughta be good for a valve cover.

Always silicone the corners of your gasket it place so it doesn't move. If it leaks you probably pinched it. The weight of the valve cover is probably darn near enough to seal it... the nuts just hold it on down the road.

[hatchback_wes]

Use your calibrated elbow and a 1/4" ratchet, oughta be good for a valve cover.

Always silicone the corners of your gasket it place so it doesn't move. If it leaks you probably pinched it. The weight of the valve cover is probably darn near enough to seal it... the nuts just hold it on down the road.
Ok I'm going to re do it, but I don't think it pinched because when I took it off a few minutes ago, it came out in tact and straight. I siliconed the corners too...I might have to silicone the whole bottom portion. I'm glad that the engine didn't catch fire with all the oil coming out 😨

[AC439]

For sure it's 7lb? I changed my head gasket yesterday and when I started the engine oil was spewing out. I think I didn't tighten it enough, over tightened, or didn't set the head correctly

Since you don't check the FSM, I did you a favor. It is 7 ft-lb. See pic.

[hatchback_wes]

Since you don't check the FSM, I did you a favor. It is 7 ft-lb. See pic.

Ok sorry that I didn't check the FSM....kinda new here so cut me some slack yeah? thanks for that

[Dr_Snooz]

Did you replace the gasket?