How to Change the Valve Cover & Grommets in a 1993 Honda Accord

The valve cover and grommets on your 1993 Honda Accord normally don't need to be changed. However, if your valve cover cracks, you'll need a new one. The valve cover seals the top of the engine and protects the camshafts, valves and several other vital engine components. Replacement valve covers can be purchased from a junk yard, from a Honda dealer or from some auto parts stores. Make sure that you get new grommets with your valve cover--these help to seal the retaining screws.

Things You'll Need

• New valve cover
• New valve cover grommets
• Socket wrench
• 10-mm socket
• Razor blade
• Degreaser
• Shop rag
• New valve cover gasket
• Gasket sealer
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Open the hood. Grab the spark plug boots and pull them out of the engine. Lay them aside.

2. Unbolt the four valve cover nuts surrounding the engine's valve cover using a socket wrench.

3. Lift the valve cover off the engine.

4. Scrape the old gasket material off the engine head with a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle. Use caution as not to cut or score the engine head.

5. Clean the excess oil off the engine head mating surface with degreaser and a shop rag.

6. Apply a gasket sealer to the mating surfaces of the new valve cover and the engine head.

7. Press the new gasket material onto the engine head mating surface.

8. Press the new valve cover over the top of the gasket.

9. Place the new grommets over the mounting holes on the valve cover.

10. Thread and tighten the factory mounting nuts to 12 foot-lbs. using a torque wrench. Tighten the retaining nuts in a crisscross (star) pattern. When the torque wrench clicks, the nuts will be fully tightened.

References

• "Honda Accord Automotive Repair Manual 1990 Thru 1993"; Mike Stubblefield, John H. Haynes; 1998