I'm changing my g/f's gasket and was wondering if I should only use a replacement gasket, only Honda Bond, or both. When I tore my cover off to check out the new toys inside, I used HB and a gasket to put it back together, but the dude at Honda told me I should only use HB. Lemme know if it really even matters, I'm doing this tonight.

when i did mine i don't think I used anything but the gasket. can't remember though. If I did use something it would have just been some sealant to get the gasket tacky and to reseal.

in this case if the gasket is new i would do just the gasket. if it were old i would put a very little amount of HB on it just enough to get it to hold in place and reseal. if you use to much you run the risk of blowing the gasket out when torqueing everything back down.

Dude at the Chevy dealership said don't use it. I'm just going to use the gasket and if it leaks I'll put the gunk on.

yeah, most gaskets these days are meant to be installed dry, but like i said if its a used gasket sometimes it needs a little somthing to get it to reseal properly. if the tech tell you to install it dry do it that way.

Hondabond & a new gasket should be used, small dab of HB on the corners of cam cut outs in valve cover.

Make sure to replace the spark plug tube seals & possibly vc grommets.

Jackasssi, it's on a 98 Cavalier. Just thought I'd ask in the Honda forum because imo there's some more intelligent people around here. If you buy a Cavalier for performance you probably aren't too bright. I should have taken a pic of the mess under her valve cover, it's a lot different than a honda, in a stone age vs space age sort of way :screwy: I'm never buying a Cavalier. Ever. But anyways, all I used was the gasket and replaced the plugs. She should be fine.

hmm... i have had my valve cover off twice and have just thrown it back on with the same gasket and no sealant... no leaks

Well shit, on her way home all the problems came back up again.. car was stuttering and it threw a cel I just reset. I've known people with the same problem, they did what I did and it was fine. I know stuttering isn't exactly a specific problem, but I'm pissed I spent my night running around getting things, fixed it all up, everything looked fine with the car idling, then find out it's still busted when she calls me from home. I hate that feeling of failure.

I know what you are saying... I had to chase some fun little gremlins around on my sisters Lumina about a month ago... fun fun!

what is wrong with the cavy?

It stutters when she hits the gas, and sometimes stalls. I'm gonna check the injectors tonight by unhooking and putting a jar under them to see if they're spraying.. I don't know how to check a coil for a spark, unless I can just unscrew the plugs and leave them dangling (still connected to the plug wires) while cranking the engine..