Oil Leak from 2003 CRV VTECh solenoid

[jonmar]

I have had this problem 'fixed' three times by a dealer and it continues to leak. I brought it to a different dealer today and was told the gasket was installed incorrectly or it is defective. The original dealership has told me they don't know what the problem is and are waiting to hear from 'engineering' at Honda Canada. I was also informed the part is not covered under the power train warranty. Can anyone give me the worst case scenario on repair costs?

[Privatebigandrew]

well, you spelled VTEC wrong, so let me correct you there first. Anyhow, it is probably not the VTEC solenoid. We had the same problem at my dealership with an RSX engine (essentially the same engine as your CRV) and we too thought it was the VTEC solenoid gasket. Upon further inspection, we found out that the leak was right above the solenoid and coming from the valve cover gasket. Tell them to chek the corner of the valve cover gasket and when they install a new one, NOT to use Honda bond. You usually do use Honda Bond on the valve cover gasket, but for some reason, on those engines, it causes a leak. I can see how they are being mislead though, as the VTEC solenoid and the Valve cover gasket are right on top of eachother. Good luck. Oh, i am an Acura techncian, so you can tell them that too if it helps any.

[jonmar]

Actually the original dealership did change the valve cover gasket, twice actually as they said the first one was defective. They claim it is still a problem with the valve cover gasket and were awaiting direction from Honda Canada engineering. That was two weeks ago, which is why I decided to go elsewhere. Do you think they have simply installed it wrong a couple of times?

[Privatebigandrew]

Well, if they installed it using honda bond, thinking that it would help it to seal, then yes, they did install it wrong. You are not supposed to use honda bond on those valve cover gaskets, which is weird, because almost any other honda you do. This is what makes me think that they probably did use honda bond, which could be causing your leak again. I hope i am no being confusing. Call them up, and ask them if they used honda bond when intalling your valve cover gasket. If they say yes, tell them you want it completely removed and scraped off, (even get another valve cover if need be, but you shouldn't have to) and installed with the gasket only. Make sure the is absolutley no oil or any thing on the gasket or mating surfaces. If this is done, and it still leaks, then the valve cover is not your problem. I am hoping that they at least already put dye in your engine oil to help them to find the leak. If not, that always helps.

[jonmar]

I spoke with the dealership today and they told me Honda Canada told them to take a valve cover gasket from a CRV on the lot and replace mine. They say the 'batch' of gaskets they have may all be defective. They have not put dye in the oil. They either tell they don't know what the problem is, or that the part is defective. This is why I tried another dealership and they told me to go back to the original.