Well it continues! I am just swapping out all the seals on my valve cover and trying to get the old ones out I used a pick type tool to pry at them. I thought I was in rubber, turns out I was not . Marked 3 of the 4 before I noticed. They are not huge, I sanded them smooth, but am wondering if it will effect the seal causing oil to get into the plug holes [attachment=61034:image.jpg]

 

Ehh, should be fine. Just make sure the marks are flush and the rubber should seal. I would just keep an eye on it, pretty simple to check too.

Also make sure you push the spark plug seals down hard into the holes where it just goes past the lip about a milimeter or two. And rub oil on them before installing and you should be good to go! Good luck!

 

I'd say you will be fine. There is enough flat undamaged surface area that you will get a good seal since they fit so tightly. flush or slightly inset 1-2mm as mentioned above is the way to go. You may need to use a rubber mallet to get them in all the way, and definitely coat the outside with a little oil to help ease them in.

 

Be more careful. Lucky it was just the VC and not part of the head!

 

Well I had the VC off, so there was no chance I was anywhere near any part of the head

 

When you put the VC back on, the new seals will absolutely not want to go over the spark plug tubes by themselves. You will need to use your finger to gently press them over the edge bit by bit, cylinder 1, 2, 3, 4, rinse repeat until you clear each tube. If you force it on, they could rip.

 

You should replace the seals IMO

 

That is why I was pressing them out . Unfortunately I managed to cut 2 of the new ones installing them . It was from the back side and does not seem to go all of the way through. I ordered 2 new ones anyways though, I have a feeling they will eventually fail.

 

The same thing happened to me... ripped one of the brand new seals! Needless to say I was not happy by any means that night. Luckily, the Honda dealer had them in stock haha. I also found it easier to push them down into grooves with my thumbs by the little metal rings in the rubber that way they cant really tear.

 

Just curious, but why did you change the seals? Were they leaking originally? I'm curious when I see VC gasket replacement threads because I've had one gasket (original from 2002) last over 140k, being removed/reinstalled 5 times for valve adjustments and repaint/etc. I think these gaskets, when handled properly, should last over 200k with no issues, likely longer.