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Valve Cover Replacement 2002 Honda Accord

2002 Honda Accord

I had a bolt missing from my head cover and when I replaced it with the wrong bolt it caused a gap in the gasket and caused an oil leak. Is the head cover gasket the only thing I need to replace once I get the correct bolts?



There are some seals or grommets around the head where the spark plugs go. These should be replaced. They should come with the valve cover gasket kit.

Valve Cover Replacement

Except 2.4L Engine

  1. Remove the spark plug wires by twisting side to side and gently pulling. Note or label their location and place aside.
  2. Starting from the outside and working inward, using a 10mm wrench or socket with an extension and ratchet, remove the fasteners securing the valve cover to the cylinder head.
  3. If equipped, remove all hoses and brackets.
  4. Carefully lift the cover off the cylinder head. Use care to not loose the sealing grommets when lifting the cover. Place the cover upright in a clean, protected area. If the cover is stuck onto the cylinder head, using a suitable prytool carefully pry the cover upward at the corners. Move each corner no more than a 1/16 inch at a time.
    2002-honda-accord-valve-cover-gasket-image-1

    Use a pick tool to carefully remove the valve cover-to-spark plug tube grommets

    2002-honda-accord-valve-cover-gasket-image-1

    Carefully remove and inspect the valve cover gasket and replace it if it is damaged

    2002-honda-accord-valve-cover-gasket-image-1

    Install the valve cover properly in the cylinder head groove-1996 Accord shown

    2002-honda-accord-valve-cover-gasket-image-1

    Non-VTEC engine valve cover torque sequence-non-VTEC 2.2L engines

    2002-honda-accord-valve-cover-gasket-image-5

    Rocker arm (valve) cover torque sequence-non-VTEC 2.2L engines

    2002-honda-accord-valve-cover-gasket-image-6

    Tighten the rocker arm (valve) cover bolts in the sequence shown-3.0L engine

To install:

  1. Thoroughly clean and inspect the gasket surface of the cover and cylinder head. Rubbing alcohol or a suitable brake cleaner works well for this application.
    WARNING

    Protect the eyes and exposed skin from contact with cleaning agents. Do not use near an open flame.

  2. Inspect the rubber valve cover gasket, the sealing grommets, and the seal around the spark plug holes. If the gasket or seals are brittle, cracked or damaged, replace them. If the old gasket and seals are not worn or damaged they can be reused once cleaned.

To clean the valve cover gasket:

  • Place the gasket in a suitable, clear plastic bag.
  • Spray a small amount of brake cleaner, or pour about 2 ounces of rubbing alcohol into the bag.
  • Close the end of the bag and swish the cleaning fluid around, making certain the entire gasket has been thoroughly saturated. Do not leave the gasket in the bag for more than 5 minutes.
  • Remove the gasket, and wipe clean with a paper towel or clean soft cloth.
  1. Apply a liquid, non-hardening gasket sealant, such as Honda sealant part No. 08718-0001 or 08718-0003 to the valve cover side of the spark plug opening seals and press them into the valve cover.
  2. Install the valve cover gasket securely into the groove in the valve cover.
  3. Apply a 1/2 inch bead of sealant to the corners of the gasket, where the gasket meets the cylinder head and the camshaft journal cap.
  4. Install the grommets if removed, and tighten the valve cover fasteners from the inside out evenly in three steps. For the 2.2L and 3.0L engines, tighten the retainers in the sequence shown in the accompanying figures. Tighten the valve cover fastener, as follows:
    • 4-cylinder engines: to 86 inch lbs. (9.8 Nm).
    • 3.0L engine: 108 inch lbs. (12 Nm)
  5. The remainder of the assembly procedure is the reverse of the removal sequence.

3 thoughts on “Valve Cover Replacement 2002 Honda Accord”

  1. Im not sure how to read my oil dipstick it only has 2 holes on the end no x’s or any writing
    Should the oil level fall between the 2 holes to be the right amount?

  2. What are the sizes of the bolts for the top plate of a 2001 honda accord ex 4 cylinder motor also would the gasket i previously asked about for a 2002 be the same for a 2001? Had the year wrong when i bought it, do i need to get the right year?

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