Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

Hey There,


2000 Honda SI DOHC

The idiots back....:( I think because I am a virgin at some of the mechanically things that I am a bit intimidated. Anyways, I am trying to replace the valve cover gasket...sounds simple enough. Well, both helms and haynes have left me pondering...so I tried searching through articles here, but not finding what I need.

I have taken off the distributor cap, and noticed from the directions in haynes that the rotor tip should be aligned with spark plug piston 1...on mine it is not...is this a problem?

http://i9.tinypic.com/8axoqjo.jpg

The reason i ask, is because the directions tell me to do one thing in order to remove spark plugs, etc...and along those directions it mentions this (making sure it is with TDC)

So I put this aside and try moving forth on the valve cover.
My issue is 1) the #3 spark plug has oil at the bottom of the tube...problem? Or should that be fixed with my replaced grommets?

http://i3.tinypic.com/6ymbk8g.jpg

2) the washers seem to be affixed on the cover...dont laugh (i am a virgin remember)...do I need to take this off?
How do I take this off?

http://i2.tinypic.com/6yycimo.jpg

3) the valve cover is a bitch to try and take off...the directions tell me to gently lift. After struggling I am wondering if the whole right side components such as the vtec solenoid, distributor, etc need to be taken off first. Are they...or am I a flipping whimp? Is there some other tool I should have gotten? HELP HELP HELP:( THe solar nail tips I got put on my fingers for a christmas party havent helped even with gloves lol

I even sprayed some penetrating oil around it to maybe free up. However maybe there is something directions and lack of experience is not telling me

http://i19.tinypic.com/81rgz5t.jpg

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

Not sure, but general information (for different engine type) in the four pictures may help with valve cover removal, gasket replacement, valve cover installation, and TDC.

When removed, did you find that spark plug 3 is fouled? Or did oil drip down from above?

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1...ure0166se3.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4...ure0167rp5.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1...ure0169zg2.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/8...ure0170uz6.jpg

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

shes got a dohc^ all the bolts are off for the valve cover from your picture. just lift it up and off, you dont have to take the distributor apart or the vtec solenoid. you can take a flat tip screw driver and pry the valve cover up gently to get it started from the corners but try not to dig into the aluminum head and take a chunk out of it. If you do it gentaly enough the cover will lift. the gaskets can get really stuck on tehre sometimes and take some work to get off expesualy if the gasket hasnt been changed in awhile.

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

THanks Riceburner! You hit the nail on the head for me.

RonJ, thanks for reposting helms for me, but I already have that. My real issue was what my repair manuals left out.

Riceburner, do I need to worry about the distibutor rotor?

Also I found this video http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/...conclusion.htm
the guy is nervous in it, but I am a visually person so live photos and videos help.

If anyone has thoughts on the rotor, etc...let me know

MERRY CHRISTMAS:)

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

the rotors fine, you can put the distributor caver back on. the only thing in the way of the valve cover is the bolts holding it on that you removed. pop the valve cover off and bam your gasket will either be stuck to the valve cover or still on the head. Just replace the gasket into the valve cover, put some silicone were there are humps/sharp up bends were the gasket sits in the corners, pu tthe VC back on and tighten the nuts, be careful not to strip or break the bolts because they dont take a whole lot of torque

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

[sm=icon_stickpoke.gif]Dude, I am so happy I finally got the son of a bitch off. I took off my air intake cuz i needed more room and maybe thought I needed to wack something lol. [:-]

http://i4.tinypic.com/72puuli.jpg


THe remaining gasket on the mating surface is driving me crazy[sm=smiley29.gif]...i guess cause I am super anal about getting any of it in the cylinder...any ideas how to get this off. I already got most of with a scraper (but once again i get so bothered i am gonna get a piece you know where) and acetone. The surface of the cylinder, I only clean up the mating surface, correct??

http://i4.tinypic.com/85f32ma.jpg

Can i just pull the sealsfor thespark plug tubes? Once again here is the anal [sm=laughat.gif]retention coming out, dont want to get anything where it shouldnt go.

http://i6.tinypic.com/8eqc26u.jpg



Is there anything I should check out while I have the whole cover off? Inspect anything funky?


ANyways I am super proud of myself and appreciate the help. This crap fora virgin on an 8 yr old gasket took a long damn time to get it off, but next time I am sure it will be at least half the time if not more.[sm=pimp.gif]

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

just keep using your scraper. you can just pull the gaskets out around the spark plug tubes

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

Alright one last question for the christmas holiday...
i think while i have this whole valve cover off, possibly replace the other seals/o-rings within...the cylinder plug...I know it has never been replaced and well check this picture out

http://i5.tinypic.com/7xjcpja.jpg

BTW, this was taken prior to cleanup. The vtec solenoid filter/o rings were replaced and pressure switch was checked. I had cleaned it off and still see some buildup around the plug...my thought is replace this crap so I dont have to tear it up again...

http://i6.tinypic.com/6x7z9cx.jpg

RE: Valve Cover Gasket, Spark plugs, and distributor questions
 

wouldnt hurt to change the seals, try some carb cleaner on that area and it will really clean it up