New user would appreciate some help. I was changing out the cam seal to fix a leak, and figured I'd do the job "right" - new valve cover and spark plug gaskets. No problem removing the valve cover gasket, but the 4 spark plug gaskets are a nightmare. Stuck in the holes as if they were RTV'd in place. I'm trying to work the fragments out, but don't want to score the metal on the valve cover. This is just not working at all, and I'm looking to see if anyone else had this problem, and what you did to get that gasket material out, especially from the groves. Thanks!

 

You should start off by telling us the year/model Civic you have.

 

just use a screwdriver and pry it out.. it harden overtime, normal.

 

If he is D series, there is a metal ring which basically needs to be bent/broken that's embedded within the rubber seal. Stick a flat head between the outer portion of the seal and the valve cover, tap it in with a hammer (lightly), then twist the screwdriver to bend the metal in the seal. You should be able to pull out the seal with a pair of pliers at that point.

 

Not too long after posting, I figured out what you guys said above. I was concerned about dinging up the metal, but it's easy once I realized the lever and twist thing. Back together, and so far so good - no oil leaking from the cam seal/plug area. Thanks for the replies - much appreciated!