just curious what would happen if parts of the grommet were to crumble inside the hole.

 

If they are big chunks they will block oil return holes at the ends of the heads. Tiny peices will wind up in the pan eventually.

 

So in other words, I'd be screwed? I read online that the pieces wouldn't affect the engine and would probably be obliterated.

 

Wait, the stock valve covers have a baffle which means that it would catch any broken pieces. Right?

 

If they block return holes then the oil has trouble draining back into the pan. They will not harm moving parts of the engine.

Possibly

 

I wouldn't worry about it. They'll probably just sit in the baffle forever.

You could always remove the valve cover and blow them out with compressed air.

- Eric

 

Alright sounds good. I'll try to get that rock hard grommet out haha. If it falls in I probably won't get it out, or I'll try to use a vacuum to get the pieces, either way it's in the baffle.

 

Oh. They're not in there yet?

Just cut the grommet apart and pull the pieces out with needlenose pliers.

- Eric

 

Just take the valve cover off. If the grommet is that old and hard, it could probably use a good cleaning inside.

 

Ah. Any tips on making this a lot easier? WD-40? Heating the grommet with a hair drier? It's putting up a good fight Lol. I dont want to destroy it too much to the point where it will take longer to get the pieces out than to just replace the stupid thing

 

It'd just take the valve cover off. I did it right before an oil change and I used a little bit of soapy water to get mine to go in. When they are hard they can be a real PITA. You may be better of using a sharp razor to cut it into 2 or 4 pieces and pulling those out. IF a big piece falls you'll be able to get it out with needle nose pliers.

 

I already got it out, it wasn't as bad, pretty much had to stick a flat head in to break it apart. It helps that the baffle was quite small which meant that any fallen pieces could be reached with your fingers

 

Glad it worked out for you.