Spark Plug Tube Seals/Head Gasket Set
 

So I've got to do a valve adjustment on my 08' TLS and with that, I should be replacing the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. The adjustment procedure I am familiar with. My question is regarding the various ways I can order the gasket parts. I've already searched the forums and found awesome threads regarding the actual adjustment procedure, but could not find an answer to my gasket question.

First of all, does anyone know what the "Gasket Set, Head Cover" comes with (P/N: 12030-RDA-A02)? If it comes with 1 valve cover gasket, 3 spark plug tube seals, and 5 head cover washers, then it's cheaper to buy them all individually and that doesn't make sense so I think I'm missing something.

Secondly, I see three different part numbers for the spark plug tube seals, 12342-P08-004, 12342-P2F-A01, and 12342-RYE-004. Are these different revisions of the same part and interchangeable? That's my guess, but then I don't know which to order.

Thirdly, what distributor do you guys recommend? It seems it's between two: www.acuraoemparts.com and www.oemacuraparts.com. My local dealer won't match their prices, even with shipping.

Finally, any tips on a valve adjustment are appreciated!

Thanks all,
Vlad

I went locals dealer for the parts because I decided to do it spur of the moment. I asked for the Valve cover gaskets and it came as a set. I know that doesn't help much because my dealer might have put together their own kit. I'll see if I still have the invoice for the part number.

For the lash, remember loose is safe and tight is trouble. I will err on the tight side with the intakes because they tend to loosen over time. When I say err I mean when it's very close but the drag on the feeler is just a hair too much but you can't get it perfect. Exhausts tighten over time so keep that in mind. If you think it's just a little too tight it's only going to get tighter as you put on the miles.

Thanks Ihc, I sort of did exactly that as I was driving home from work last light. The dealer sold me 6 of the 12342-RYE-004 spark plug tube seals and 2 of the 12341-RCA-A01 head cover gaskets, for a grand total of 36 bucks. He said the kit comes with a few other things like head cover washers, but he didn't have them in stock (list $75 and 2 are required).

Thanks for the tip! I heard someone say once that it's better to hear them than smell them, referring too loose being safer than too tight. I'm getting on this today!