Valve Adjustment Help

I'm embarking on a valve adjustment for my '95 civic DX. I'm not
noticing anything that would lead me to believe a valve problem, it's
just way overdue for a valve check. I've never done this before,
however, and I just wanted to make sure I'm doing this right. I've
memorized the Chilton and Haynes manuals, and now I wanted to see what
y'all thought.
Should I replace the cylinder head gasket no matter what? or only if
it looks bad. Do I need to clean the mating surfaces if I'm reusing
the same gasket? The Haynes manual tells me to use RTV sealant on the
points where the rocker arm assembly touches the cover-- why? what is
this stuff? do I need to if I'm not replacing the gasket? does the
gasket itself need any sealant? any other things i should be aware
of?
thanks for any help!
-mr. speck

 

Valve cover gasket is reusable. It need to be replaced when it dried up
and let oil seep through. RTV is like silicon caulk. I don't use it. You
may need to use it if your valve cover is no good. I don't ever use it.

 

You mean valve cover gasket? You don't go anywhere near the head gasket
when you adjust the valves.

If it is still round and reasonably supple you can re-use it. If it is
flattened and/or hard, replace it. If your engine is one of the ones where
the spark plug holes go though the valve cover, don't forget the rubber
rings around the holes or it will pour oil into the spark plug holes.

Yes. Always clean all mating surfaces. There will be old RTV in the
corners that has to be cleaned off and replaced.

Those sharp corners can leak otherwise. You should do it whether new gasket
or not.

Be careful to torque the bolts correctly that hold the valve cover on. Too
loose and it leaks. To tight and it distorts (and then leaks).

You always adjust Honda valves first thing in the morning when the engine is
cold or they will be wrong.

 

If the car is running good and fuel economy is good, why bother the valves?

 

-------------------------
Sean,

Valve adjustment (or at LEAST inspection) is vital to your engines
long-term survival. Tip: The engine will let you turn it over by hand,
easier, if you leave the plugs out while doing the adjustments.

If in doubt, go with the looser clearance, since this is your first try.
If it's too noisy, you can do it again later when you feel bolder.

'Curly'
------------------------

 

To prevent burning.

 

I always use a new valve cover gasket because I don't like oil leaking all
over my engine. If you're overdue for the valve adjustment your old one is
probably hardened and shouldn't be reused. They're cheap enough it's not
worth the hassle of replacing it later when it fails.

Spudston