hi folks,
i did a quick search in this forum and found most of the information i need but had a few more questions. i've got an '89 civic hatchback si. i did an oil change last week and noticed a very small amount of oil on the driver's side area of the valve cover. i also noticed that the entire leading edge of the valve cover looks like it has a film of oil so i suspect that i need to change the valve cover gasket. sounds like a pretty easy thing to do but i was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for the best brand to get. also, how important is it to get the proper torque on the valve cover bolts? (i don't have a torque wrench and don't necessarily want to buy one if i don't have to).

thanks for your help!

 

i good idea is to get some sealant aswell, as for the torque wrench, i just used mu person judgement with ordinary wrench

 

not really a big deal on the torque, just snug with your fingers then tighten a little further. brand shouldn't be a big deal, I'd go with the stock gasket.

 

I priced it out and the OEM gasket was only a couple bucks more than the generic one, it came with the spark plug hole gaskets and new washers too.

 

thanks to all that replied. i called autozone and they carry the gasket set for $35. i'll give it a go this weekend.
cheers.