Valve Cover Gaskets - Both

Replace the valve cover gasket on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbo engine to eliminate oil leaks from the valve cover mating surface.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda gasket
• Spark plug tube seals × 4 — Typically included with valve cover gasket kit
• Ignition coil O-rings (if damaged) × 4 — Inspect and replace if deteriorated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting off
4. Take photographs of wiring harness routing and connector positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ignition coils
   Disconnect the four ignition coil electrical connectors by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Remove the single bolt securing each ignition coil using an 8mm socket. Mark each coil with cylinder number (1-4) for correct reinstallation. Pull each coil straight up and out of the spark plug tube. Inspect coil boots and O-rings for damage.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove spark plugs
   Using a spark plug socket with extension, remove all four spark plugs. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Inspect spark plug condition and gap. This is a good opportunity to replace plugs if they are worn or have reached service interval (typically 60,000-100,000 miles). Keep plugs organized by cylinder if reusing.
   ⚠Ensure no debris falls into spark plug holes. Cover openings with clean shop towels if taking a break.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect PCV hose and breather hose
   Locate the PCV hose on the rear of the valve cover and the breather hose on the front/side. Carefully disconnect both hoses by releasing any clips and pulling them off their fittings. The PCV valve may be integrated into the valve cover on this engine. Note the routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect wiring harness brackets and ground connections
   Remove any wiring harness brackets or clips attached to the valve cover bolts. There are typically 2-3 harness mounting points along the valve cover. Disconnect the ground wire if attached to one of the valve cover bolts. Move all wiring harnesses safely aside and secure them to prevent interference.
5. 5

   Remove valve cover bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove all valve cover bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outside and working inward. There are typically 10-12 bolts around the perimeter. Keep bolts organized as some may be different lengths. Note the location of any brackets or clips that were under bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove valve cover
   Carefully lift the valve cover straight up. It may be stuck due to old gasket sealant. If stuck, gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at designated pry points (never pry on sealing surfaces). Do not use metal tools that could damage the aluminum mating surfaces. Once loose, lift the cover clear and set it on a clean work surface.
   ⚠Do not pry on gasket sealing surfaces. Damage to these surfaces will cause persistent oil leaks.
7. 7

   Remove old spark plug tube seals
   Using needle-nose pliers or a seal removal tool, carefully extract the old spark plug tube seals from the cylinder head. These are press-fit rubber seals that sit at the bottom of each spark plug tube. They may be deteriorated and fragile. Remove all pieces completely and clean out any debris from the tubes.
8. 8

   Clean all mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the valve cover gasket groove and cylinder head sealing surface using a plastic scraper. Remove all old gasket material completely. Follow with brake cleaner on a lint-free cloth to remove all oil and residue. Inspect both surfaces for damage, warping, or corrosion. The surfaces must be completely clean and dry for proper gasket sealing. Cover the open valve train area with clean shop towels to prevent debris entry.
   ⚠️Keep brake cleaner away from hot surfaces and ensure adequate ventilation. Highly flammable.
   ⚠Do not allow cleaning chemicals or debris to fall into the engine. Cover openings during cleaning.
9. 9

   Install new spark plug tube seals
   Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the outside of each new spark plug tube seal. Position each seal squarely on top of its tube in the cylinder head. Using a seal driver or deep socket of appropriate diameter, press each seal straight down until it seats at the bottom of the tube. Ensure seals are fully seated and sitting level.
   ⚠Seals must be pressed in straight to avoid damage. Use a tool that contacts the outer edge of the seal, not the center.
10. 10

    Install new valve cover gasket
    Install the new valve cover gasket into the groove in the valve cover. Ensure it seats completely around the entire perimeter. The gasket should fit snugly in the groove without stretching or compressing. No sealant is required with the OEM gasket. Verify gasket is properly positioned around all spark plug tubes and does not overlap or twist anywhere.
11. 11

    Reinstall valve cover
    Remove the protective towels from the engine. Carefully position the valve cover onto the cylinder head, aligning all bolt holes and ensuring spark plug tubes pass through the gasket openings. Lower the cover straight down without sliding it. Hand-thread all valve cover bolts with any brackets or clips in their original positions. Do not tighten yet.
12. 12

    Torque valve cover bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the valve cover bolts to specification in the proper sequence. Start from the center bolts and work outward in a crisscross pattern. Make two passes: first to 5 Nm (approximately 50% of final torque), then to the final specification of 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). This ensures even gasket compression and prevents leaks. Reattach any ground wires or wiring harness brackets under the bolt heads.
    ⚠Over-torquing valve cover bolts can crush the gasket, crack the cover, or strip threads. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall spark plugs
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of each spark plug (avoid getting any on the electrode or insulator). Install spark plugs by hand first to ensure they thread properly. Tighten to specification using a torque wrench and spark plug socket. If reusing old plugs, verify gap is correct (typically 0.028-0.032 inches for this engine).
    ⚠Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads can cause expensive damage. Always start by hand and ensure proper threading.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ignition coils
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of each ignition coil boot if desired. Install each ignition coil into its correct cylinder, pressing down firmly until fully seated on the spark plug. Install and tighten the ignition coil bolts to specification using an 8mm socket and torque wrench. Reconnect all four ignition coil electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place securely.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect hoses and final assembly
    Reconnect the PCV hose and breather hose to the valve cover fittings. Ensure hoses are routed correctly and any clips are properly secured. Verify all wiring harnesses are in their original positions and not pinched or rubbing on sharp edges. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the rear tabs first, then pressing down on the front clips until they lock.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all hoses are properly connected and secured with clips
3. Ensure no tools or rags were left in the engine compartment
4. Confirm the engine cover is properly seated and all clips are engaged

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises or misfires (new gasket smell is normal for first few minutes)
• Check for oil leaks around the valve cover perimeter while engine is running
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck for leaks
• Verify no oil is accumulating on the exhaust manifold or turbocharger
• Check that all warning lights are off and engine runs smoothly
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque after engine cools if concerned about settling
• Monitor oil level over the next few days to ensure no excessive consumption

More procedures for this vehicle