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Step 3Removing the Valve Cover
Alright. All obstructions have been removed. Now you can remove the valve cover. Make sure there are no objects or particles that could readily fall into the valve train when the cover is removed. What I mean by this, is make sure there's not sand, large amounts of dust, or dirt that could easily fall into the valve train. The last thing you need is an awesomely painted valve cover - on a dead engine. Remove the nuts with the socket wrench, and place them in a safe area.
Now you'll need to pry the valve cover up a little. For my car, I had to use a flat head screwdriver to pry the valve cover up, and break the gasket seal. Now, my car has a rubber gasket, so I do not have to worry much about ripping it. You might have a non-rubber gasket, and if you do, you will want to get another to replace the one you're probably about to rip. Now, using the flat head screwdriver, pry the valve cover up on the driver side. Then the passenger side. It does not matter which side you start on. You may need to pry up on the rear of it, but I did not.
You will probably have to wiggle the valve cover a lot to get it off. Once you've removed the valve cover, place it on a clean hard surface, I used a tub lid for cleaning, and a chunk of fiberboard for painting. Cover the valve cover with the towel, so no passing dust gets into it, or paint particles. It is crucial that you have a towel for this job.
Now you'll need to pry the valve cover up a little. For my car, I had to use a flat head screwdriver to pry the valve cover up, and break the gasket seal. Now, my car has a rubber gasket, so I do not have to worry much about ripping it. You might have a non-rubber gasket, and if you do, you will want to get another to replace the one you're probably about to rip. Now, using the flat head screwdriver, pry the valve cover up on the driver side. Then the passenger side. It does not matter which side you start on. You may need to pry up on the rear of it, but I did not.
You will probably have to wiggle the valve cover a lot to get it off. Once you've removed the valve cover, place it on a clean hard surface, I used a tub lid for cleaning, and a chunk of fiberboard for painting. Cover the valve cover with the towel, so no passing dust gets into it, or paint particles. It is crucial that you have a towel for this job.
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Mar 30, 2011. 11:55 PMtinydreamstudio
says:
Did you need to remove the spark plug prior to doing this?
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1
Mar 31, 2011. 1:49 AMgtkid2002 (author)
says:
If it's a Honda like mine, I would leave them in so stuff doesn't fall down there and get lodged or something. It really depends on if you can't remove the valve cover with the spark plugs in, then take them out. Otherwise, I'd just leave them in.
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Nov 1, 2009. 9:00 PMslavrenz
says:
You should wack that valve cover with a rubber mallet to remove it instead of using a screwdriver. The screwdriver could gouge the head, and the gasket won't seal that.
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Feb 28, 2011. 10:30 PMNapenE04
says:
lol 'wacking' is not so good.. but giving it a gentle tap is a great idea
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