What do you mean you believe all bolts are removed? All bolts are along the perimeter of the outer edge of the cover. They're easy to see.

Once bolts are removed, maybe loosen oil cap to release vacuum to make it easier to lift the valve cover off.

 

Sorry I didn't really mean I'm sort of sure, but yes all of the bolts are removed and even the rubber washers on the stems. All hoses and lines are clear, but it won't budge. I guess I'll try to pry it off gently as suggested.

 

Use a flat head and gently pry it off

 

When you put on the valve cover, ensure you torque the bolts to the correct torque spec. If you overtighten you WILL break the stems. I did it to one of my bolts when I changed out my valve cover ten years ago.

 

Me too!

These take a low torque, so you need a torque wrench that is accurate at that level. Many are not accurate below 20 foot pounds.

And those studs are actually the top part of the bolts that hold the cam caps in place, so to replace it you have to install a new cam cap bolt and torque it to the proper spec (much higher than the valve cover nuts), and then you can get around to putting the valve cover back on.

 

Ya do it slowly. as mentioned, with a flathead screwdriver.

 

just give it a good tug
it should work if all the nuts/hoses are unattached

 

Ok so I got it off about 30 mins ago. I guess it was just really caked on there, but slowly prying on the seam with a flat head helped. So now I have another question. I'm try to seat the valve cover back on and I'm noticing the gap between the valve cover and the head is quie noticeable. I can see the gasket between the seam. Is this correct or does it need to fit tighter?

 

Is the gasket touching the head? If so, you are probably fine, as it will compress a bit as you install the nuts. No wires or hoses caught under the edge or pushing against it?

Make sure everything is lined up right and not binding. For example, the spark plug tubes.

 

:face: why would there be a gap.

Dont forget the Hondabond

 

I definitely used hondabond on the right angles as described in a DIY. I don't know why there is a gap. I'm messing around with it now.

 

Well I messed around with it and everything seemed fine. Everything is snug it just has the tiniest gap there. I checked for leaks and there is none. I let it run for 15 minutes and everything was fine. I drove the car and everything was fine. Here is a picture for reference.

The only reason I'm making sure this is right is because I'm a beginner mechanic obviously, which means, it's better to ask now than regret later.

 

looks okay to me.. there is gonna be a slight gap where the gasket fills/seals the space.

no oil no problem

 

you could have also tried smacking it with a mallet. the gasket sticks from the bolts being tight. just another way to get it off

 

try smacking it with a mallet. the gasket sticks from the bolts being tight. just gotta break it loose

Problem has already been solved. If you would read the thread, he took our advice and got the cover off.