Honda B-Series Valve Cover Gasket and Cam Seal Replacement (B18B)
Introduction
A weeping valve cover gasket or a leaking camshaft seal is a common source of oil seepage on Honda and Acura B-series engines, and both can be renewed in an afternoon with basic hand tools. This guide covers the job on a non-VTEC B18B (as fitted to the 1996 Integra LS) and applies broadly to related B-series heads, though VTEC engines carry a different number of fasteners at several points and those differences are called out along the way. Replacing these seals stops oil from tracking down the head, keeps the engine bay clean, and prevents oil from reaching the spark plug tubes. Adapted from a community writeup by cheezthis on Team Integra (https://www.team-integra.net/threads/cam-seal-and-valve-cover-gasket-replacement.342608/), including corrections from the follow-up discussion.
Reference
Tools Required
- 10mm socket and ratchet with extension
- Flathead screwdriver
- Soft-bristle brush
- Hose or water source
- Degreaser (e.g. Simple Green)
- Shop rags
Parts Required
-
Valve cover gasket kit (perimeter gasket, spark plug tube seals, stud grommets)
-
Camshaft (half-moon) seal
-
Hondabond or equivalent RTV gasket sealant
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ The valve cover must be completely dry before reinstallation. Water entering the engine can cause serious damage.
- ⚠ Do not overtighten the valve cover or cam seal bolts. The 7.2 lb-ft spec is very low and the aluminum threads strip easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Clear accessories off the valve cover
Remove or unclip everything that anchors to the cover or crosses over it so it can lift away freely. On the B18B this generally includes the ground wire, the A/C line bracket, a vacuum hose, the crankcase breather tube, and the oil filler cap. VTEC engines and different trims may add extra brackets or fasteners at these locations, so account for whatever your particular engine carries before continuing.
2 Disconnect the spark plug wires
Pull the spark plug wires from the plugs and lay them aside, keeping them in firing order so none are stretched or torn. With the wires out of the way, this is a convenient moment to pull each spark plug and check its condition before reassembly.
3 Unbolt and lift off the valve cover
Take out the rubber grommets and the 10mm bolts holding the cover down. A non-VTEC B18B1 uses seven such bolts, not counting the ground-wire and A/C bracket hardware; VTEC heads typically use around nine. Lift the cover clear. If it was sealed with Hondabond previously it may cling to the head, so ease it up with light prying from a flathead screwdriver.
4 Clean the valve cover
If the cover is caked with oil and dust, wash it using a degreaser such as Simple Green, water, and a soft brush. Then dry it fully and completely before it goes anywhere near the engine; any water left behind must never be allowed into the engine bay.
5 Strip out the old gasket and seals
Peel the old perimeter gasket out of its channel and discard it. Also remove the four round seals seated around the spark plug openings. Where cured sealant remains at the corners, scrape it off with a flathead screwdriver, taking care that no fragments drop down into the engine bay.
6 Install the new gasket, seals, and sealant
Seat the fresh perimeter gasket and the new spark plug tube seals into the cover; most kits supply both along with replacement stud grommets in assorted colors. Place a small dab of Hondabond in each of the four corners and let it dry fully before the cover is refitted.
7 Replace the camshaft seal
While the sealant cures, renew the half-moon cam seal. Metal and plastic replacements are sold with new rubber. On the B18B, loosen or fully remove the two retaining bolts (full removal is not strictly needed), lift the old seal out, and press the new one in. VTEC heads reportedly use four bolts here that only need loosening rather than removal, so verify against your repair manual. Sealant on this piece is optional and it can hold a clean seal without any.
8 Refit the valve cover and torque the bolts
Set the cover back onto the head with all the new grommets in place. Thread in the 10mm bolts. The Helms manual lists 7.2 lb-ft, but these fasteners and the cover strip very easily, so a safe method is to leave the torque wrench aside and snug them by feel using only a ratchet extension in your hand. Reconnect the spark plug wires and everything removed earlier.
Pro Tips
- 💡 Inspect and, if needed, replace the spark plugs while the wires are already disconnected.
- 💡 Keep the plug wires in firing order as you set them aside so they are easy to route back correctly.
- 💡 A ratchet with a hand-held extension gives enough feel to seat the low-torque bolts without a torque wrench.
Was this guide helpful?
