Hi, noob here with a question about the valve cover bolts on a 2000 civic ex.and some information to trade
I always hate showing up in a forum empty handed and asking questions, soo in trade I offer this
1 Run a 6ga wire from the negative battery post to the engine block, the grounds on the civic are terribly small
1.5 replace the ground cable with the biggest ground cable you can find, bolt it down to the front strut bolt
2 the rear lower strut bushing is available at NAPA part Number ATM 1032921 you will have to grind it down about 1/8 inch on both sides for it to fit the lower bracket of the strut. Test fit before you install it.
now for information I need
So far dang nearly every bolt I have touched on this car has broke off, soo Im thinking that since the valve cover gasket needs changing, why cant I just take an angle grinder to the heads of the bolts and pop the valve cover off, remove the headless studs with a vice grips and then put in threaded rod with a nut.
The reason why I am thinking that this is a viable option is I HATE easy outs, they should be called Pain in the butt outs
Thank you

 

The valve cover bolts are only torqued to about 7 ft-lbs. Have you just tried removing them with a socket?

The valve cover bolts have a special design that includes a rubber seal, so a rod stud won't work.

 

As Ron said, those valve cover bolts are pretty unique where the seal goes so no threaded rod and nut wont work. In all the years I've worked on Hondas I have yet to have one break or strip. If you want to be safe give the all a little crack on the head with a hammer before attempting to remove them.

 

I've never had one break when I am removing the valve cover, and my cars are typically the highest mileage cars on the forum.

You can buy an engine bay bolt dress up kit on ebay, and engine bolt valve cover kit, I've installed the engine bay bolts but not the valve cover yet.

 

They are almost always broken due to overtightening.

 

The problem I have is that I would be doing the work in an apartment parking lot, so If one breaks Im boned and have to deal with it in the weather. No big deal if its sunny, but I dont have that kind of luck, it would start to rain the second the bolt breaks. So far I have put front/rear struts and an inner tie rod on in the parking lot, but those were quick fixes and the land lord has not caught me, Im starting to think either wait till next spring when we buy a house (ok Im buying a garage with a house attached, she is getting a house with a garage attached) or I take it to a shop and spend 200 for the job

 

The bolts are less risky than you think. Assess the situation by taking it slowly. If it rains, you can close the hood.

 

Precisely

 

sorry about the delay in relying. Im starting to think, leave it be until the house.
I really dont want to risk a bolt busting on me in a parking lot
Thanks for the information
Steve

 

ive bought them broken, with corks, etc jammed in the valve cover to stop the oil leaking. i've never broken one.

 

So I bit the bullet and did the cover gasket.
I cheated though. I went to a junkyard armed with a 10mm socket and wrench, and attacked all the valve cover bolts I could find. Not to be rude, but wow, you really have to crank down on those bolts to break them. I loosened all the bolts I could find and then tighten them until they broke. To break them you have to put some muscle on them.
OK with that information, MY valve cover popped off pretty easy
Clean all the surfaces with degreaser, hit all surfaces with some emery cloth, coat the inside lip with rtv the right stuff, do the same on the head and re-install
So far no leaks
Thanks forthe inspiration
Steve

 

And go to Harbor freight and buy a dang inch pound torque wrench. ITs 25buks and worth every penny