You could have bent your exhaust valves. You might want to get it checked out

 

Don't worry about replacing the valve cover gasket. I've had my valve cover off multiple times and have never had a leak, reusing the OEM gasket each time. Just wipe it off on the edge, and make sure to clean any oil from the head casting it rests on. Also make sure to press evenly when putting the cover on over the spark plug tubes until you hear a "plunk" sound of the cover seating. Torque your bolts in order and it'll never leak.

 

When removing the head, the spark plug seals tend to rip or tear when reinstalling the valve cover. Since Honda doesn't sell the spark plugs tube seals without the valve cover seal, you might as well replace it as well. The spark plug tubes are sharp and would need oil lube to assist with installation of the valve cover. Replacement of these items instead expensive nor is it time consuming for added piece of mind

 

How would I tell if I bent my exhaust valves?

 

I believe in an AP2 you are fine if you over rev the motor. Its not as big a deal as on an AP1.

 

Hmm okay. I just would rather be safe than sorry right?

Thanks for all your help guys so far!!! I really appreciate it.

 

Compression/Leak down test can often tell you when they are bent. Keep in mind the results are sometimes misleading...

 

you need a leak down more than compression

 

Wrong, they do.

 

You're right, idk why I was think about the rubber gaskets that the head bolts go inside, probably because it was a recent job I did LOL