Are there any warning signs or will you be driving along normal and BOOM? I was driving today and accidentally shifted into the wrong gear and RPM's shot up I don't think I red-lined but I quickly dropped to neutral. I continued to drive another 20 miles and everything seemed totally fine. Turned the car off for an hour went to turn it back on, everything seems fine still. After reading about over-revving and AP1 valve retainers I am all paranoid now and I don't feel like taking the engine apart unless I have to, so are there any warning signs?

 

If you quickly dropped to neutral before the revs hit the red zone then you shouldn't have anything to be worried about. What gear were you trying to shift into and were you at WOT or just partial throttle?

 

 

They could be cracked and you would not notice it. The fact the your engine is running fine is a good sign you have done no damage. Pull the valve cover and inspect the retainers. Set your mind at ease. They are probably fine. But, you will know after a short bit of work. If cracks are present replace. While you are in there, check your valve gaps and adjust if needed. This is not major surgery.

 

If you see the retainers sunk under the line they're cracked. Good ones will be at the level of the line.

 

I'm scared to take the valve cover off because I dont have a new gasket and I'm worried if I take the valve cover off I will tear the old existing gasket because the head has probably never been removed in almost 20yrs.

 

Valve cover gasket kit is like $65 it'll last at least 10 years so I think its a worthwile investment. It's like paying 6 bux and change per year. Unlike other Hondas no permatex is neaded to seal the valve cover gasket, just make sure the 5 bolts holding it on are tightened in a criss cross pattern and in steps. Use a thick towel and a rubber mallet if the gasket has fused to the head. This will prevent you from chipping the old paint.

Getting the valve cover off is a little tricky, I just keep trying to finesse it out and it eventually comes off some how. Same for putting it back on, be careful with the spark plug tube seals, you have to make sure they are gripping the tube. Its a tight fit and you have to use your fingers to stretch them over the tubes. Don't use something metallic to pry out the old seals you can easily gouge the mating surface on the VC. Plastic trim removal tool works wonders. To put them back in use the thinnest layer of vasoline or motor oil, and hulk them into the slot with both thumbs.

 

Then you are probably due for a valve adjustment. Do that, and inspect retainers at same time.

You didn't actually say your car is an ap1. It is, right?

 

Oh yes it is an AP1 which is why im concerned ha

 

Take the engine apart while warm. Do the valves cold.