• E10 Socket
• E14 Socket
• E18 Socket
• 10MM Socket
• 4MM Allen Key
• 5MM Allen Key
• 8MM Socket / Wrench
• E14 Socket
• Ratchet
• Metal Pry Bar
• Socket Extensions
• Flathead Screwdriver

Make sure the engine is completely cool before starting this DIY. Working on a warm engine increases the risk of damaging it through cross-threading the valve cover and also raises the chances of burning yourself.

Disconnect the vehicle batteriy's negative terminal to avoid short-circuiting electrical components.

We will need to remove the cabin air filter, HVAC cowl and all covers in the way of accessing the main engine cover.

Unlatch the engine wiring harness by firmly pulling the three latches free of the HVAC cowling.

Remove the ECU cowl and brake reservoir covers by gently prying the two retention clips on the side free until the cover can be removed from the engine bay.

Remove the 8MM cowl screw located underneath both covers.

Remove the 4 8MM cabin air filter screws using a socket / wrench.

With all 4 screws removed, carefully lift the cabin air filter out of place.

Unlatch the windshield washer line from the cowl by pulling the metal retention clip off of it's resting place.

Release the rubber grommet (white circle) from both sides of the HVAC cowl by simply pulling it free.

Release the electrical connector fixed to the HVAC cowl by pressing in the retention clip and pulling it free. Depending on the year, make and model, your vehicle may have 2 of these connectors. 1 will be located as shown, the other closer to the brake fluid reservoir.

Unclip the 3 sets of clips holding the engine witing hose in place to the bottom side of the HVAC cowling.

Pull the HVAC wiring hose free from the underside of the cowl.

With all connecting points free and loosened, carefully remove the HVAC cowl ensuring you do not hit it into any of vehicle.

Remove the three 5MM allen screws that secure the engine cover.

With all 3 screws removed, the engine cover can now be carefully lifted out of place.

Unlatch the crankcase breather hose by depressing both of the side clips and pulling it from the valve cover. Be extremely careful not to bend, crack or break this hose.

Disconnect the 2 electrical connectors attached to the oil filter housing.

Disconnect the fuel injector wiring harness by firmly pulling up on the front and rear with even pressure, until it releases from the injectors.

Unplug the eccentric shaft sensor by depressing the 2 side clips and pulling the connector from the sensor.

Remove all 6 ignition coils by lifting the retention clasp up with a flathead screwdriver and unplugging the connector. One unplugged, use firm pressure to grab. the coil and firmly pull it from the engine. Repeat for all 6 coils.

Using an E14 socket, loosen and remove the retention bolt holding the passenger side strut v-brace in place.

Using an E18 socket, loosen but don't remove the retention bolt holding the passenger side strut v-brace in place at the top of the HVAC cowl.

The top E18 bolt does not need to be removed completely, only loosened. Once loosened, simply pull the v-brace from the engine bay.

Unplug the Valvetronic motor by depressing the 2 side clips.

Using an E8 socket, remove the 2 Valvetronic motor side retention bolts (white circles). The outer gasket screws do not need to be removed.

Using an E8 socket, remove the bottom Valvetronic motor retention bolt. To remove this screw, the ignition coil wiring harness needs to be pulled up and out of the way.

Insert a 4MM allen key into the center hole on the valvetronic motor and turn in a counter-clockwise direction. Once fully loosened the Valvetronics motor should pop out from the valve cover.

With all screws removed and the motor loosened from the eccentric shaft, it can be simply pulled from the valve cover.

The ECU cover will need to be removed so the electrical harnesses on the vehicle can be moved from the valve cover area, giving us an easier removal. The cover is held on be a series of black retention clips. Simply use a flathead screwdriver to pop the clips to the outside, therefor loosening that section. From there push the 2 locking tabs shown on the cover to the unlock position.

Using a 8MM socket, loosen and remove the 2 8MM nuts holding the engine grounds to the valve cover grounding screws. There will be a ground towards the front of the engine between cylinder 1/2 and another between cylinder 5/6.

Loosen the 2 10MM bolts securing the expansion tank to the vehicle chassis.

With the expansion tank loosened, move it to the front of the vehicle. This will allow access to the lower valve cover bolts as well as free up space in the engine bay, that will make removal of the cover significantly easier.

Loosen the 19 E10 bolts surrounding the perimeter of the valve cover. We recommend starting with the easiest access bolts at the top and sides first.

The two lower valve cover bolts circled in white will need to be transferred over to the new valve cover. These bolts do not have a retention sleeve holding them into the valve cover like the other 17 bolts do.

Using a 10MM deep socket, loosen the front and back grounding bolts we removed the electrical grounds and 8MM nuts from.

Remove the valve cover bolt centered under the valvetronic motor using a 10MM socket. This bolt will be fully removable unlike the majority of the valve cover bolts. Do not get it confused with the other 2 transferrable bolts removed earlier as they are different lengths.

Removing the old valve cover assembly from the vehicle an be a frustrating experience if the work area is not prepped properly. Ensure all electrical harnesses are moved to the passenger side and very carefully remove the cover ensuring not to damage the valves or engine internals.

Using carb cleaner and a lint-free microfiber towel, clean the entire valve cover mating surface ensuring a clean and long-lasting bond with the new gasket. Clean all areas including the inner spark plug gasket mating surface.

Carefully install the new valve cover over the engine. Once again, ensure all electrical harness are pulled to the passenger side to allow a smooth installation. While installing, continuously check to ensure valve cover gasket has not warped or came loose form valve cover.

Using a camera, ensure the valve cover gasket is fully sat onto the valve cover with no bends. It's very common for the gasket to come off during the install. If this is not caught, massive oil leaks can occur which will cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Hand-tighten all 19 E10 valve cover bolts around the perimeter. Once hand-tightened, torque all bolts to 3 Ib-ft torque in a star pattern, Tightening in a star pattern ensures even distribution of torque and reduces risk of oil leaks in the future.

Reinstall the Valvetronic motor into the vehicle by pushing the motor to be as flush as possible with the valve cover. From here, use a 4MM allen key to carefully tighten clockwise until resistance is felt then stop. As soon as any resistance is felt while turning clockwise immediately stop or serious engine damager can be caused. Once 4MM allen key is turned to spec, install the 3 E8 screws and re-plug in the connector.

Re-install all components needed to start the vehicle i.e. ignition coils, engine grounds, expansion tank, eccentric shaft sensor, CCV hose, etc. Do not put HCAV covers, engine covers or cabin air filter back in place yet as we need to verify no leaks are present before calling the job complete.

Before turning the engine on, the Valvetronic relearn procedure needs to be carried out. With all components re-installed in the engine bay, re-connect the battery and carry out the Valveronic relearn. Press here for our guide on conducting the Valvetronic motor relearn.

While test starting ensure engine is left to idle for 5-10 minutes and monitor closely for oil leaks. A burnt plastic or oil smell is normal within first few minutes of operation, but no oil leaks should be present.

Now that no oil leaks were found and the vehicle is running properly, the cabin air filter, engine cover and all other components removed or disconnected can be re-installed.

Good job replacing your valve cover / gasket! Ensure you keep an eye on your oil consumption for any possible signs of leakage and replace your valve cover gasket every 60-100K miles.