I'm replacing the head gasket on my 2001 Honda accord 2.3L F23a1 VTEC.I have purchased a head gasket set which includes the seals for the valve cover bolts. My question is how do put the new seals on the old bolts? The bolts have a flange on them that the seals have to go over and the rubber that the seals are formed from is very stiff. Do I just put some oil on the seal and drive the bolt on to the seal? I dont want to tear anything up.

 

Your proposal is what i did to install bolts through seals. What other option is there?

good luck

 

Oil and warm them up with a hairdryer to make em softer.

 

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I,ll follow your advice and heat them up and put some oil on them.

 

Good idea to warm. I lubed them, but drove them through cold,..if you call Houston summer cold!

good luck

 

Another option is to add a cone over the treads to help stretch the gasket over the flange.
I used the tip from a caulk tube cap. I cut it off at the diameter of the flange and just twisted it onto the end of the bolt. Add a little silicone grease (maybe oil) and it slides on much easier with no hint of damaging the gasket.

 

I just posted this YouTube video in another thread about the Valve Cover Grommets. I just used a pair of vice grips to hold the bolt and a small pick-like tool in a circular motion around the bolt. It worked great. Here's the video: