ragtophardtop

I'm about to do my first valve adjustment on an S2k. I'm coming most recently from the classic BMW world, where valve cover gaskets constantly need replacement and it's standard practice to put a new gasket on regularly.

Is it necessary or a good idea to replace the valve cover gasket and spark plug seals when doing valve adjustments on lower mileage DBW 06+ cars (50k), or is it overkill? The current pricing I'm seeing from Hondapartsnow.com for everything is $60 with shipping.

B serious

I didn't do so and I've not seen leaks in years since. But it would not be overkill to replace them.

Its proper practice to replace them...and worth saving the trouble (and risk of scratching the VC finish) of taking off the VC again.

RolanTHUNDER

Replace them. You'll need to around the 100000 mile mark or earlier anyway.

Nfinitecc

Slowcrash_101

The longer you leave the VC on the car the harder it gets to remove. I do a valve lash check every 3 years or so, and I figure while I'm in there, might as well replace the gasket. I've only had to replace spark plug tube seals once. When I didn't know you had to finesse them around the tube when reinstalling the VC. Cost me a set of coil packs, but I learned.

ragtophardtop

Can you be a bit more descriptive on what to do? I'd love to avoid replacing the coil packs if I can.

rpg51

I think if you have a set of new gaskets you can make the decision after you have it apart and can inspect the existing gasket and seals.

windhund116

I replace the gaskets and rubber doo-hickeys every time I check & adjust the valves (annually) . I use OEM. Just being OCD.

Slowcrash_101

When seating the valve cover, you have to gently push the tube seals around the tube the spark plugs sit in. They're quite sharp and if you just tighten the valve cover bolts without the seals stretched around the tubes they will cut through the seals. You just work them around the tube with your fingers once the seal clears the tube you're good to go. You'll know exactly what I mean when you look at the valve cover with the coil packs removed. The seals will be stretched around the tubes.

RolanTHUNDER

You'll know if your tube seals need replacement when you see oil on your coil packs. You must change them ASAP at that point as the oil will cause the packs to burn out causing misfires eventually. Usually happens when A) the seals become too hard with age or B) if they have been torn by a previous VC removal/install job. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop 'em out of the VC.