Honda Repair: broken valve cover studs, spark plug wire, 2 nuts

Question
Hello Rick,

I have a '93 Civic with a Del Sol B16 VTEC engine.

After unsuccessfully trying to remove my valve cover to replace the gasket, I overtorqued 2 nuts even though I hadn't reached the specified 84 in-lbs yet and snapped the studs (one at the top and the other at the base).  

First question is how do I remove the valve cover? I've tried hitting it at all angles with a mallet and the thing won't budge.  Once that is resolved, how do I go about replacing the valve cover studs?

Thank you kindly,

Tyson

Answer
Tyson, to remove the valve cover on a B16 there are 8 nuts, 1 on each corner and 4 under the spark plug wire cover. After removing them it should come of easily. If not try prying lightly on the corners of the valve cover using the cyl. head for support. To replace the studs you'll have to order the right ones, the 4 on the corners are on the cam holder and the other 4 are on the cam holder plate. They are removed with a 12mm wrench/socket and when replacing them apply eng. oil to the threads and torque to 20 lbf-ft. Toque the valve cover down in 3 steps and the third step finish it with a torque of 7 lbf-ft. Good luck RICK