Replacing VC Gasket soon, have some questions.

[pattywak]

So my valve cover gasket has been leaking a little for a while, and I decided that I'm going to change it since the instructions look pretty simple. These are the instructions I will be using:
http://www.filtsai.com/accord/valve_cover_gasket/index.php

Now, I have a question about the step about applying the RTV silicone: do you put it between the gasket and the valve cover, or (from the perspective of that picture) on top of the gasket?

This is where I am ordering the gasket from:
http://tasauto.com/Product/Detail.aspx?s=2812030

Obviously, picture is the valve cover gasket, and I believe the bigger 4 gaskets to be the spark plug seals, but what are the remaining 5 pieces?

Also, what would be good to clean off the vc where the oil has leaked onto it? I want to do this so that I can see if it continues to leak after I replace the gasket.

Any other tips for when I perform this maintenance?

 

[F23A1AT]

Clean it before you do any of the work. I think those other five things are for the bolts holding the VC down, kinda like washers. Somebody correct me if I am wrong on that.



edit: Oh and don't over tighten the bolts they snap easily apparently

 

[pattywak]

You mean the inside of the VC? What would be the best method of cleaning it?

 

[fastflyinaccord]

you can use simple green to clean the vc or some type of tire shine can wipe it right off. I didn't use any silicone when I changed my gasket. I did it while I was painting it. All I did was take the old one out, put the new one in the slot, dipped my finger in some of the oil and ran it over the new gasket. Hasn't leaked in the two years that i've had it on for

 

[F23A1AT]

nah get some greased lightning and clean the out side so that you don't have to worry about it while it is off. The inside is going to get oily as soon as you start the engine.

 

[fastflyinaccord]

Clean it before you do any of the work. I think those other five things are for the bolts holding the VC down, kinda like washers. Somebody correct me if I am wrong on that.

i believe you are correct, I didn't use any of them- just kept the old ones on

 

[pattywak]

nah get some greased lightning and clean the out side so that you don't have to worry about it while it is off. The inside is going to get oily as soon as you start the engine.

I realized that was a bad question. Haha.

you can use simple green to clean the vc or some type of tire shine can wipe it right off. I didn't use any silicone when I changed my gasket. I did it while I was painting it. All I did was take the old one out, put the new one in the slot, dipped my finger in some of the oil and ran it over the new gasket. Hasn't leaked in the two years that i've had it on for

So the silicone isn't needed? Just hit it with some oil like the oil filter during an oil change?

Clean it before you do any of the work. I think those other five things are for the bolts holding the VC down, kinda like washers. Somebody correct me if I am wrong on that.



edit: Oh and don't over tighten the bolts they snap easily apparently

I'll keep this in mind, I need to invest in a torque wrench...

 

[fastflyinaccord]

So the silicone isn't needed? Just hit it with some oil like the oil filter during an oil change?

Obviously it worked perfectly for me. You can see what other ppl will say just to be sure. Then again you can put it on with the silicone and have peace of mind. Its up to you. However, if you put that silicone on, it was be a super b*tch to ever get off again...

 

[HomerJay]

You will need to use Ultra Grey RTV silicone gasket maker (Permatex) on the four flat areas on the rubber gasket where the camshaft goes through the valve cover (on the short sides of the rubber gasket, where the half circles are). The liquid gasket goes on the bottom after you've fit the gasket into the valve cover.

Also, be careful when tightening the bolts. The torque specs are rather low: 7.2 lb/ft.

Liquid gasket only needs to be added to the rubber gasket where the four arrows are:

The rubber gasket is slightly wider where the liquid gasket should be placed. The liquid gasket goes on top of the rubber gasket after placing the rubber gasket into the valve cover.

The Ultra Grey RTV is an OEM match for the Honda specified liquid gasket. At least according to the packaging it is. From the service manual, you should use part no. 08718-0001 or 08718-0003 for the liquid gasket.

 

[pattywak]

Obviously it worked perfectly for me. You can see what other ppl will say just to be sure. Then again you can put it on with the silicone and have peace of mind. Its up to you. However, if you put that silicone on, it was be a super b*tch to ever get off again...

You will need to use Ultra Grey RTV silicone gasket maker (Permatex) on the four flat areas on the gasket where the camshaft goes through the valve cover (on the short sides of the rubber gasket, where the half circles are). The gasket maker goes on the bottom after you've fit the gasket into the valve cover.

Also, be careful when tightening the bolts. The torque specs are rather low: 7.2 lb/ft.

Gasket only needs to be added to the gasket where the four arrows are:

The gasket is slightly wider where the gasket maker should be placed.

Thank you for the advice, I will definitely keep this in mind.