changing valve covers. is it hard?

[dans2014]

   I want to change the valve covers on my Valk with the black ones on the F6B. Is it an oily mess to pull them off? New gaskets? I see bolts for the plugs and 6 bolts for the valve covers. Can I pull the six valve cover bolts and take the entire assembly off without pulling the plug covers?? Any tricks??
Thanks

[mrtappan]

I've never pulled the valve covers on a 1800 Honda.  In theory though it can't be much different than a BMW and I've worked on a bunch of those. 

I doubt much oil will come out.  As far as valve cover gaskets, I'd use the general rule of if they look good reuse them.  It wouldn't hurt to have as set on hand or call ahead to the dealer to see if they stock them. 

[_Sheffjs_]

  I want to change the valve covers on my Valk with the black ones on the F6B. Is it an oily mess to pull them off? New gaskets? I see bolts for the plugs and 6 bolts for the valve covers. Can I pull the six valve cover bolts and take the entire assembly off without pulling the plug covers?? Any tricks??
Thanks

Did you find a set in black? I priced them out at Honda (for fun knowing a co-signer was needed) and they were $600 for both. Can you say Powder Coat?

[Robert]

Looked at the parts diagram and its 3 pieces the center strip the bottom cover and the valve cover itself. Yes the plug wires have to come out and there shouldn't be a lot of oil. There wasn't on the 1500 I doubt this will be different.

[_Sheffjs_]

here is an interesting read

    [url=http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?324198-Removing-Valve-Covers]http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?324198-Removing-Valve-Covers        [/url]

[OldFatGuy]

For only $33 for the gaskets, if it was me, I'd replace them. 

[dans2014]

  I bought a 2015 F6B in the black and grey and Ilike the polished sidecovers on the Valk more than the black ones on the F6B so I wanted to swap them. I gotta have some shiny surface!! ha ha

[_Sheffjs_]

I bought a 2015 F6B in the black and grey and Ilike the polished sidecovers on the Valk more than the black ones on the F6B so I wanted to swap them. I gotta have some shiny surface!! ha ha

The valve covers on my 14 Black Valk are not very polished. 



I will powder coat them Black

Some have chrome plated them. 

[dans2014]

think ill pull one off and see what I get into. surely cant be rocket science but then again, Japan can do some interesting things

[Robert]

think ill pull one off and see what I get into. surely cant be rocket science but then again, Japan can do some interesting things

Its really easy, you wont have a problem just don't tighten the bolts to tight and snap them.  Plus don't forget a drain pan under the low side valve cover not that much will come out but it can be a slight mess

[CajunRider]

The covers are easy to change, but be VERY CAREFUL to follow the torque specs!!!

Manual says 9 in/lb (or is ti 7?? Please check before starting).  DO NOT OVER TORQUE!!!!  That's inch/pound... not foot/pound. 

Get yourself a good, accurate torque wrench.  The bolts that hold the cover will break off inside the engine body if you turn too hard.  It is a pain to get them out after that.  (I have done it... NOT fun.)

Other than that, it's EASY and you will lose minimal oil (maybe an ounce or two).  The gaskets are rubber.  If they are not crushed, damaged, or brittle it is fine to re-use the old one.