I have a 2008 Honda Ridgeline and did a valve adjustment and wanted to replace the gaskets while I was there. The problem is that the tube seals that come with the gasket set do not fit and I am told by the parts store there is no other option. I have done my internet research and have found the problem to be the type of valve cover on my Ridgeline is different. The walls of the tube seal holes in the valve cover have a ridge. The walls are not flat. All of the videos and pictures I have found show the walls to be flat, which would allow these tube seals to work. Unfortunately that is not the valve covers on my vehicle and I am stuck. Not sure where to get the seals I need for these valve covers. The VIN says I have the J35A9 engine if that means anything to you tech experts. I have seen one photo of a valve cover that has a ridge on the wall on the internet that looks like mine but it was on an earlier year model Accord. I am hoping someone else can help me sort through this unique situation because right now I am not sure where to go next.

 

Have a picture of what you are seeing? That is odd.

 

This shows the valve cover

This shows the ridge.

 

That looks to me like the steel ring inside the seal is still present. Is that inner ring magnetic?

 

Yes it is magnetic. Wow! I never considered that. It is so tight it feels like it is part of the valve cover. Obviously it’s not aluminum. I guess it is ok to start pounding on it.

thank you for your insight

 

Those seals can be VERY stuck. Usually my full body weight on a tire spoon to get them to pop.