1994 civic EX 1.6L / 160,000 miles

center valve cover bolt (between plug 3 and 2) was loose and leaked oil.
I tightened bolt carefully w/nut driver and leak seemed to stop.

1. is this a common 1 bolt getting loose ?
2. could seal be bad under bolt ?

Thanks

 

Maybe the bolt was just loose. Be sure to torque to specification (7 lb-ft).

If leak persists, replace the rubber seals on the valve cover bolts.

 

If the bolt wasnt properly torqued down it could become loose on its own and cause the gasket to leak oil.

Make sure the nuts are properly torqued and if it doesnt leak anymore then the gasket should be fine.

 

I'll get torque wrench asap

Is a Beam Torque Wrench ok to use or is a expensive one needed?

I am only a novice w/ mechanical stuff
change my own oil and tuneups
Never done any major engine work needing a torque wrench

Thanks

 

^^^nope, that will work fine!

 

If I torque bolt down and it still leaks

NAPA (FPGVS50499R) and Advance autoparts (felpro VS50499R)
only list bolt seals w/ a complete Valve Cover Gasket Set for $30+

1. Does the brand of gasket matter ? (engine is stock)

2. Could I use different rubber gasket other than Valve Cover Gasket Set ?

Thanks for help and quick answers !

 

You may be able to buy the bolt gaskets separate at a dealer. If there's a Honda dealer in your town, also consider that the whole set from the dealer lists at about $31.50. I would use that rather than an aftermarket gasket.

And it's very important to not just keep tightening the nuts, because the studs break easily.

 

12030-P07-000 GASKET SET, HEAD COVER $25.52 #2 in the parts pic
this is the complete vc gasket set with the plug seals and rubber washers

90442-P08-000 WASHER, HEAD COVER $1.84 #20 in the parts pic
this is the rubber washer by itself - buy as many as needed

http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.a...ViewParts=true