Honda Accord Sport GDI / Acura TSX 2.4 L Leaking Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

This video will show you how to replace the dry rotted or leaking valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals on Honda's I4 F24 GDI engine. The engine is also used in other Honda vehicles (in this example the Accord Sport or the Acura TSX). Therefore the repair procedure should be the same or similar.
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Parts & Specialty Tools:
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#ACCORDVALVECOVER

[@freeman573]

Very good informative video, no music, animals, rumblings, beer, wife & kids, story telling, just EXACTLY what we clicked on for a HOW TO video, congratulations & THANKS YOU SIR!!! Keep'em coming...

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Striker50_]

The fact that you made this video in under 9 minutes is BONKERS! I appreciate a short detailed video when I come across one

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@Striker50_]

@@hardlymovingpro Was considering doing this myself, but I need to get a valve adjustment soon so I'll see if Honda could offer a good price to do this as well since the cover will be off already

[@bryanmitchell5728]

Wow !!!! That has to be one of the best videos I have ever seen for car repair. Great job !!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks 👍

[@dfisher4768]

I would agree 100%. Seems like you know all common snags a normal guy would encounter. Much props on the speed but still talking clearly over the parts you need too and describing what you are doing. Definitely a solid video to see what I’m getting into, not my first valve cover seal but first on my Honda but it’s 2016 6 speed so I’ll have to do more research but good job on slowing down and those camera angles for the little things that make the job take longer then it needs to.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

Nice, I done lots of Toyota valve cover gaskets but not a Honda. Seems straight forward. Thank you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@johntran7432]

I did it over the weekend in about an hour. First time and I was nervous, but i think it was super easy. I recommend Buy parts (gasket, Hondabond, etc…) from dealer rather than somewhere not trusted. All together cost around $100. Not bad at all and you will have a piece of mind. Also While ur at it, might as well replace spark plugs and coils if needed.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@vbuen323]

Awesome video man seriously, you saved people a $1200 job at the dealer

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@Striker50_]

This costs $1,200!? No way

[@josephpercel8802]

@@Striker50_ A valve cover gasket replacement maybe $100. Your probably thinking of a valve adjustment. Even then $1200. is too much.

[@Babyjokers2.0t]

@@josephpercel8802 what about head gasket replacement, I figured it shouldn't be that much since it's right after removing the valve cover, so just a bit more work? I've seen that they say it costs around 1600 for modenr accords at dealers, yet the gasket themselves are maybe 100 dollars

[@robfolks]

I just paid someone $200 to replace mine.

[@datacentermechtalk6852]

You’re a great mechanic! I am not touching that! I do HVAC work, which is way easier. Damn! Too many things could be forgotten.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@cjcj1689]

it just takes practice.....and checking on all your wor k....he is very good at breaking it down....

[@subaraptor]

Watch the video a few times. Then use the video as a guide. Mine turned out great. 18 months later, one of the spark plug tube seals is leaking. I’ll have to do it again, but it will be much easier next time.

[@ronfraser2267]

Good job my brother you know your work you're a genius😎😎

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thank you so much 😀!

[@bekomcar554]

As always, essential tips right to the point. Way to go, thanks

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@subaraptor]

This is a great video. Direct to the point. No unnecessary bullshit in between. Bravo.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@germanmartinez7537]

Great video. Helped me a lot I did the job in 2hrs (I really don’t work on cars)

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad it helped!

[@5800]

Changed the valve cover gasket on my 2016 Civic 2.0L following this video, its relatively the same process. Unfortunately Honda Dealership doesn't offer the grommets & spark plug seals with the gasket, and no aftermarket valve cover gasket includes them either. Dealership says you have to buy the whole valve cover which comes with the new seals & grommets, which is crazy since its $300+ tax.

[@hardlymovingpro]

There's got to be some aftermarket supplier of these seals?

[@josejusino6171]

That was awesome I am glad you remembered the Tyewrap you cut off....Good job

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@MrLevi136]

Well made video. What is the purpose of the little squarish grommet gasket on the inside middle of the cover? It looks like it communicates with a port going down the block.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Believe it's part of EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) where positive crankcase gases are channeled back in the intake via the valve cover EGR gas passage ways in order to reduce nitrogen oxide pollutants in the combustion chamber during the power stroke.

[@MrLevi136]

Thank you for the reply. The PCV passage it channels fumes, blow-back back to the intake manifold true the one way PCV valve, where this EGR gases go from the cover ? How it recirculates? This cover channels have some baffles inside. Any of this two functions like a catch can at one point?

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@MrLevi136 after thinking about it, could be part of the PCV. EGR systems traditionally directs gases into the intake plenum.

[@MrLevi136]

The easier to find out exactly would be to pry the evacuation channels of a scraped cover open. It looks like has more functions than a simple cover.

[@Jahalang82]

I’ve got a crv with the earth dreams engine and boy was that a paint in the butt trying to get the valve cover out. I couldn’t undo the clip to the pigtail to the compressor down below so I basically push the thick wire off to the left so I can pull the valve cover out. While I had the cover off, I decided to replace the PCV also but that SOB broke off in there. Don’t worry, I managed to get it out by spraying brake clean into the nipple nearby and that broke up any dried oil where the rest of the valve came out with a pair of needle nose pliers. My spark plug tubes seals weren’t the replaceable kind so I carefully inspected them for cracks or rips and them just placed the VC back on with a new gasket from Honda and using Permatex Right stuff grey in the same spots that I removed the old brittle Hondabond from the factory. There was one spot on the back corner of the head near the high pressure fuel pump after you come up and back down the cam hump, I noticed the rtv Honda used wasn’t even in the mating surface but stuck on the inner edge. I’m surprised it never leaked back there but instead it only leaked out right above the exhaust manifold.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@danasato1901]

best video with important explanations and tips. Thank you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@chuckcross1546]

Very excellent !!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@NickD-mu7np]

How long was the entire process? Great video btw.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks! Around 1.5 hours tops.

[@michaelmcclanahan1991]

Does the silicone need to be fully cured before starting?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not at all. Designed to stay on like petroleum grease but withstands both heat and cold better and will not swell rubber.

[@alexmark1982]

Thanks for the video! Should I replace a camshaft seal cap as well, on 2014 V4 accord?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not a bad idea if it came with the gasket kit.

[@jamieberry1813]

Mine started leaking at 120,000 miles. My mechanic changed it for two hundred bucks not bad at all.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... not bad!

[@RolexDSSD]

Just had this done for 150$ for labor only I bought the part for 22$. But he didn't clean the old oil as good as you did.

[@pirihern9329]

Muy bueno. Just did same on 98 honda prelude this morning and did valve adjustment while at it. Currently has 240,000 miles. Trying to find slight oil leak

[@hardlymovingpro]

Could be the VTEC solenoid gasket. It attached to the engine ... facing the firewall ... passenger side. Three (3) long 10 mm bolts hold it on.

[@pirihern9329]

@@hardlymovingpro thanks for the suggestion. Will check it out

[@joet.2078]

Nice video, how much should a repair shop charge for this? I had my oil changed and they said my valve cover gasket was leaking and said it needed replacement. They quoted $350 for parts and labor. Is that average cost of what it should be? Want to make sure not getting overcharged. Thanks.

[@hardlymovingpro]

A couple a years ago I'd say that was a high price quote. But there's a shortage of mechanics and people are keeping their cars longer; hence higher prices. Demand vs supply.

[@JD-cd6rx]

Hello, thank you for the video. I did have one question, the black plastic cover dressing, over the coils has two stripped screws. My question is, what do you think is the best route for me to take that off. I planned on just replacing the whole valve cover, but of course i need that cover to be off in order to access the plugs and sensors. Thanks again.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Don't understand how the screws got stripped?

[@tvviewer4500]

Do you have to do all of this to get the intake manifold off? This looks like a nightmare

[@hardlymovingpro]

It is what it is.

[@tvviewer4500]

@@hardlymovingpro so be it I shal endure… if you don’t mind me asking - how do you disconnect these gas lines? I’ve never seen this before.

[@sodapuffs]

Thank you for posting this video.

[@hardlymovingpro]

You're welcome!

[@rorog6187]

Great video like always!! One question, where did you get those electrical connector pliers? I haven't aeen those...👍

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks! Those pliers are fuel line pinch types where the tips are facing each other. I provided a link to the product in the "show more" text description of this video.

[@robmd3851]

At the second time my valve cover gasket let go, my PCV was replaced, then my head gasket went. Thinking the direct injection may be the problem with the amount of force on the gaskets in these engines. I'm trading it in soon I just can trust it will be reliable anymore.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Don't know the milage on your car but head gaskets should not be failing unless the car overheated or the head bolt screw holes were too weak which is a OEM defect in design.

[@andrue17]

Can a a little bit of motor oil be used on the new seals and spark plug tube instead of dielectric grease?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Oil reacts with rubber to make them swell.

[@williamsantiago7303]

Well done sir, this was a awesome video. 👍

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@cjcj1689]

Very well made video and very well broken down......I love Milwaukee tools......Have you tried the chubby impact fuel 12 volts?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks! Just recently bought a stubby 1/2 M18.

[@josereyes5831]

Awesome quick and too the point

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@munday]

For whatever reason, honda decided to change the 2016-2017 valve cover design. It no longer uses the screw in spark plug tube seal. They went back to the old way of push in seals. None of my local part stores or honda/acura dealers have the spark plug tube seal. They all have the 2013-2015 screw in tube seal only. Can't find any online either.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@hardlymovingpro]

Try rockauto.com

[@3232myke]

Great video thanks ! I have a question , I have a 16 Accord 2.4l after letting it sit overnight, I go to start it n it rattles alil then goes away after 1-2secs , what is that?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Maybe something loose with your exhaust system.

[@3232myke]

@@hardlymovingpro But it seems like it's from where the valve cover is , in that area

[@hardlymovingpro]

Could be a exhaust heat shield that's come loose.

[@3232myke]

@@hardlymovingpro nah it's not that but thanks anyway

[@hardlymovingpro]

Good luck!

[@Abdullah-ig3on]

Great video thanks, I have a 2017 accord 2.4l With 95k km , I have some leaks in the gasket from a year I think . What should I do ? What if I don’t fix it or replace it , is to a dangerous for the engine ?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Valve cover oil leaks, if it gets bad enough, will get on your exhaust manifold and could cause smoking and eventually a fire.

[@badtothebone346]

Thanks for sharing, you've inspired me to do it on my daughter's 2013. You made it look so easy

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@oxojay]

have you gotten it fixed? mine is a 2016 it’s doing the same thing but i won’t have the funds to fix it until tax season

[@subaraptor]

@@oxojay $20 for the gasket set. And this video is free.

[@aaronayze5956]

My son has some car make snd model. He's original issue was his thermostat Stat needed to be replaced. In stead it caused his engine to shut down as a safety fail. When I sent to pick and tow him. He car wouldn't start like he needed a charge but it had a hard time starting. When it did we tried to strap tow it but while doing so it shut down and killed his engine and the power. Few hours later I noticed while hooking his car to a toy dolly I seen oil coming from somewhere but I couldn't locate it. He later got it to the dealership n they told him because the thermostat needed replacement his engine over heated sensor cause a shutdown n leaked oil. It didn’t ruin the engine but they did tell him he needed this kind of repair. Parts would be about $500 but labor was gonna over $3300 his total cost. Which now I seen you or a trusted experience mechanic can do with way half the cost of labor. What was the reason for changing the gasket?? I don't think you said why? Any info would help

[@hardlymovingpro]

For that expensive a repair quote I recommend you get a 2nd or 3rd repair estimate from another competing repair shop.

[@Grenplen]

Good stuff!! great and neat job

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@196419723]

congratulation very good video you are the best

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@amber_504]

What's the difference between using a Honda gasket kit vs something like Hondabond gasket maker on the whole cover?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Can't say. Never used a hondbond gasket. Felpro brand gaskets work just fine.

[@innovative5428]

Thankyou sir excellent video information

[@hardlymovingpro]

Most welcome!

[@RickEstrada]

Thansk for this, awesome job!

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@rsaldana2310]

Great Video!!, thanks a lot 👍👍👍

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you liked it!

[@badassalex1]

What was the the greyish color thing that you put on the edges of the motor? Does it come with the valve cover kit when purchasing or you have to buy it separate?

[@hardlymovingpro]

It's RTV. A liquid rubber that hardens when exposed to air. You use it at seams where engine parts come together. This prevents oil leakage that the gasket can't seal.

[@j.t.2780]

Do u know how to do a valve adjustment on this engine?

[@hardlymovingpro]

I could if I wanted to.

[@elmohead]

What is that paste you apply on the corners?

[@hardlymovingpro]

RTV

[@OMEGATECH]

Totally Awesome!!! how long did it take u?

[@hardlymovingpro]

A little over an hour.

[@OMEGATECH]

@@hardlymovingpro Sounds Good, thanks!!

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@Mike-vh6fb]

Is it best to wait for the RTV to dry/cure before driving the car?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Absolutely!

[@yunglin9025]

Great video! What is the torque spec for the alternator power cable bolt(12mm)? Thanks!

[@hardlymovingpro]

I don't use torque specs on that bolt

[@americanking253]

Very good video to the pin 📌 point

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you liked it!

[@pedroramos1007]

my honda accord 2015 2.4 sedan I had to remplaze the valve cover because the sparks plug seals are comprese in it.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... Must be careful with the spark plug tube seal installation

[@thenuthing8258]

@@hardlymovingpro Do you know why some valve covers have those type of changeable tube seals, but others are the pressed in type? I would rather put your type of valve cover on my car, but the local Honda dealer (California) only sells the pressed in type cover.

[@Ziomel]

Awesome thanks

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@tonys9731]

Very nice job.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@eryckgorosito8367]

This should be exact for the 2017 Acura ILX correct?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Maybe if a 4 cylinder engine.

[@theyangview1898]

Excellent

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@embggotty708]

After I finished my power steering light, traction control , and tire pressure light was on. Does anyone know what it could be?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Check all electrical connectors

[@embggotty708]

@@hardlymovingpro Thank you I missed a connector, I’m gonna drive it to see if the lights go off.

[@tajituck888]

What interval do you have to change the valve cover gasket

[@hardlymovingpro]

There's no interval. Replace when you see leakage / seepage where the cover meets the cylinder head.

[@robmd3851]

Mine let go at 36k miles, just under warranty thankfully, but I think that's way too early.

[@georgejesson1944]

@@robmd3851 You got one made on a Friday at 4pm...... 😂

[@HaiPham-dw2kg]

Nice job.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@finn1355]

DID YOU LOOK UP THE TORQUES ON ANYTHING ?? DID YOU ACTUALY TORQUE ANYTHING USING A TORQUE WRENCH ?? DID YOU USE THE CORRECT BOLT TORQUE SEQUENCE ????

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not on a job like this where everything is 10 mm and requires less than 10 lbs of torque. If you watch mechanics at a dealership or professional repair facility, you don't see them using torque wrenches unless they're newbie mechanics. Torque specs, however, are extremely important when installing cylinder heads from a head gasket leak. They require both lbs and angle torques on TTY stretch bolts.

[@chriscruz1106]

What is the torque spec for the valve covers?

[@hardlymovingpro]

10 mm bolts are between 7 to 9 lbs which is not a lot of torque. Use a 1/4 ratchet and torque down with one hand using your wrist.

[@rubenaguero7342]

i want you to fix mine , where are you located

[@hardlymovingpro]

East of Memphis

[@sodapuffs]

Is this the same engine with Honda CRV 2015?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Sorry ... can't say.

[@ericmoralezz]

Sorry but what was the purpose on removing that cable from the alternator ??

[@hardlymovingpro]

To get and have enough room to remove the valve cover.

[@magalyvazquez7238]

Clean cover pleace

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes. That should improve the aerodynamics of the car.

[@bvvbvv6010]

Is this same way for 2016 Honda CR-V?

[@hardlymovingpro]

If the same engine, more than likely yes.

[@ariannavarro9146]

What happened to the torque wrench?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Sitting on the shelf

[@eee2115]

Nice work. Mine has 100k on it and the seepage is pretty bad. First Honda to do this. Have had Hondas with 300k miles on them not need this. Why dielectric grease instead of engine oil? Since the rubber is exposed to oil, wouldn't oil have been just as good to use? I will be doing this job in a couple of weeks. Thanks

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks. Dielectric or rather silicon grease does don't make rubber swell up and degrade. Silicon is the best protectant for rubber and stays on the contact surface for a long time. Plumbers use it all the time.

[@rubenaguero7342]

how much does this cost?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Can't say

[@josephpercel8802]

Probably an hour's work for a professional Tech, and maybe $20. for the parts. I wouldn't try this at home!

[@mattoakes9686]

FYI you can overtorque those bolts.😢

[@hardlymovingpro]

Better than under torqueing.

[@VictorMartinez-by7tu]

Fuck it’s a lot of work lol good job.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not as bad compared to a V6 emgine.

[@hyltonanderson8353]

Hi is it Normal after the gasket has been replaced to smell a burning oil smell?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... residual oil that may have gotten on to the exhaust manifold.

[@hyltonanderson8353]

@@hardlymovingpro thank you!! Just wanted to make sure. Wasn’t sure if this was another issue.

[@nirwansiregar2085]

Crvturbo sir

[@OSCARR0423]

Alot of work for a gasket smh why thy gotta do the motor like that

[@hardlymovingpro]

Well v6 engines are worse

[@williamadams9091]

Damn i thought i could save some money but this is way too many steps i don't want to mess nothing up .....guess i gotta cough up that money

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not that bad if you take it a slow.

[@williamadams9091]

@@hardlymovingpro i really want to try ....i got literally half way through the video like geez....i will watch it a few times then try ......

[@robfolks]

Just focus on one step at a time, before you know it, it will be done.

[@hardlymovingpro]

True!

[@dagomendoza3383]

Can u add turbo in that engine ??

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@kennylavay8492]

Nice job

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!