this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2024
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Hello! I own a 08 Acura TL that has an oil leak from a bad valve cover gasket. I took it to my mechanic for some other things, but also wanted a quote for a replacement. The number they gave me was too high for my liking, and I did some research and decided to attempt the replacement myself. The shop would've done a spark plug replacement as well, so I also plan to do that. My issue is I have never done work on a car, not even an oil change. In total so far, I need 2 sets of valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, an intake plenum gasket, and maybe an air filter boot (since I've heard they have a tendency to crack, if anyone has a good source please let me know). What other parts should I preventatively replace, and what are the normal steps to working on the top of the engine?

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[–] dmtalon@infosec.pub 11 points 8 months ago (8 children)

Don't be afraid to try this if you can follow basic instructions. Cars are pretty stout and unless you do something crazy this should go fine.

I would guess you can find some good YouTube videos that will walk through he specific steps/process for your car. Or a car forum/FB group to search any specific issues changing valve covers. Generally this is a pretty straightforward job.

I have no idea what maintenance has been done previously etc. But if it has plug wires might consider changing them as well, however a lot of cars today have coils right on the plugs so no maintenance needed if yours is like that.

Realize the small bolts holding the valve cover on will not take a ton of force to tighten. They're small bolts going into small holes. Pay attention to how tight they are when taking them off if you don't plan to use a torque wrench to tighten them. Make them snug not crazy tight.

[–] ido@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (7 children)

Thanks for the reply! I already did find a couple videos and forum posts about this specific job, so I'm hoping it'll go fairly smoothly. I do believe the coils are right on top of the plugs, along with a plug boot. Are the coils worth replacing, and what exactly is a plug boot? From what I'm reading, them being missing can cause some issues in removing the plugs. I do plan on grabbing a rental torque wrench just to be sure I don't do anything crazy πŸ˜‚

[–] Ebby@lemmy.ssba.com 0 points 8 months ago (3 children)

I would say Honda coils are darn reliable and if you aren't experiencing a problem, don't sweat it. They are easy to replace if that time ever comes. I've had a couple DOA aftermarket coils and certified parts were stupid expensive.

The plug boot mostly just keeps dirt out of the plug hole. It can degrade if the spark plug is failing allowing some blowby to heat things up.

[–] ido@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

Good, the prices I've seen for the coils would not make my wallet happy lmao. I might try @dmtalon@infosec.pub's suggestion and hit up Autozone about the boots

[–] nilloc@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 8 months ago

Autozone or Oreillys should also have a torque wrench to borrow for tightening the valve covers and intake (you rent it, but they only keep the money if you keep it too long so it’s free unless you forget to return on time).

[–] vivavideri@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Check rockauto.com!

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