Can I get some tips on how to remove the VC, change the gasket, and then reinstall.

I just want to make sure I get it right.

Disconnect the ground on the battery
Remove Spark Plugs
Disconnect ground on VC
Remove Valve Cover
Tap on VC with rubber mallet to remove gasket
Replace gasket
Apply RTV all round the gasket? Or do you just put it on certain spots?
Replace VC and tighten down bolts
And then replace the wires and spark plugs

Is that it?

 

bump...

I'm about to do the same and here is the kit I got at Autozone...



I'm not quite what the order is with these spark plug seal rings...can anyone tell me how they are arranged? Are the ones with metal just a washer of sorts for the outside screws that hold the valve cover on?




Also, I read somewhere to let the car sit for 24 hrs to let the RTV and gasket really take hold. And also to apply extra RTV around the 90 degree parts of the gasket. Can someone confirm this.

Tomorrow I am doing the valve cover replacement and flushing the coolant...so if this is true I will flush the coolant first and then do the gasket and then let the car sit over night.

 

If it's a good gasket, you don't need RTV except on the corner points on the gasket by the semicircles. I prefer Hondabond and I don't recommend that orange crap.

The metal washers go under the valve cover nuts.

The small o-rings are the ones that go under the rocker arms.

 

will this be pretty straight forward once I get the valve cover off?

also are their any tips to getting a good seal other than RTV (making sure to hit the curve corners) and tightening to about 7-9lbs?

 

Not really. The camshaft bearing caps will have to be removed, so a valve adjustment will have to be done and there is a good possibility to change the timing if not careful. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone that is not mechanically inclined.


Just make sure the head surface is clean of oil and remove any old sealant from the surface and you should be okay.

 

simplyredvw - I appreciate your continued help. Is it ok if I don't replace the o-rings that go under the rocker arms and just the valve cover seal and sp seals?

 

look down in the spark plug tubes and see if there is any oil in there if not i wouldnt worry about the rocker arm o rings a guy at work didnt get the rocker assy. on straight and bent some valves pretty funny i never do use any type of sealer never had any problems so what ever u want to do

 

thanks for the input sleezye. I'll be starting later today and will post pics if I get stuck. I really would hate to f my car up now that I am in DIY-mode. Once I get the VC off and take some pics, I'll come back on here for some advice.

Thanks again.

 

Keep the o-rings in a handy place. After driving the car for a couple of hundred miles, look in the spark plug chambers for any signs of leaking. If you don't spot oil, then you don't need those o-rings. Good luck.