Last summer when a Honda tech was doing a clutch job on the side for my SC'd '04, he confirmed my suspicion that I had some valve cover gasket leak. I finally got around to replacing this past May (or 2k miles ago) with a new OEM valve cover gasket kit and unfortunately, it still leaks.

I've been lazy to try and address it ever since I replaced it, but I want to give it another shot. Is there any tricks, tips, or things to note when installing a new valve cover gasket? Should I be using any sort of sealant? It seemed rather straightforward...

The area circled in green, or the back corner, seems to be where the leaking occurs:

 

make sure the gasket doesnt pinch when you put it on and most importantly you have to make sure the mating surface is absolutely clean and free of oil or it is going to eventually start leaking.

 

I thought I wiped it down fairly well, and would like to think the gasket wasn't pinched.

I guess it's really as straightforward as it seems and there's no tip, tricks, etc?

 

I believe the gasket is suppose to install one way. I almost installed it wrong, one side is different so it stays in the cover grove. I don't know if installed backwards if it will leak.

I mean in orientation like the inside is facing out, just like a rubber band if your where to flip the inside to face outwards. Clear as mud?

 

I ran a thin line of RTV along the head before placing the valve-cover on, presonally. Of course, the mating surface has to be absolutely clean before even putting it on. Did you wipe it down with brake cleaner?

Not spraying directly on, but spraying a rag and wiping the surface down.

 

I didn't wipe it down with brake cleaner, but will do that this next go around, along with some RTV.

I'll pay close attention to the gasket orientation as well.

Thanks guys!

 

I always wipe the head surface with isopropyl alcohol. Brake cleaner would be fine, I just have a lot of alcohol around because it cleans oil residue very well. It was a habit i picked up as a helicopter mechanic.

 

I dabbed a bit of oil on the new gasket sort of like on an oil filter. I dont know if it helped, but mine doesnt leak.

 

i know what it is.. when you add oil you spill some it will run down right there.. how do i know bc its the same on mine lol

 

Unfortunately, that's not the case.