Distorted and damaged metal around spark plug holes


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Old 03-24-23, 05:30 PM
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Distorted and damaged metal around spark plug holes

I am in the process of replacing the valve cover gaskets and spark plug hole bushings on my 2011 Acura TL and once I got the rear cover off I noticed there is extensive damage to the metal surrounding the spark plug holes. I then pulled the front cover and although not as bad, the metal under the seals also had considerable damage. I'll be replacing both covers. I've never seen anything like this. What would cause this to happen? Excessive heat?





 
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Old 03-24-23, 06:06 PM
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Did you buy it used?
 
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Old 03-24-23, 06:13 PM
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Yes, but I've owned it since 2015 with 37k miles. It currently has 123k miles.
 
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Old 03-24-23, 11:13 PM
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valve covers look like they may have had excessive heat but its not uncommon for aluminum parts to have corrosion this is usually just pitting at gasket surfaces.
 
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Old 03-25-23, 06:19 AM
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I was told by another Acura owner that the covers are magnesium, which has a lower melting point and thermal conductivity.
 
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Old 03-25-23, 09:20 AM
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could be or an alloy, from what I have seen all the light weight alloys have corrosion issues.
 
 

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