rpk1002

So here is the short on what is going on. I recently disovered a very significant oil leak on my 1998 Honda Civic EX. After fruitlessly searching for this leak on my own, I took it to the shop and was told that the leak was coming from the VTEC Solenoid. The solenoid is fine but I was then informed that the gasket that needed to be replaced was not sold individually and I would need to have the Solenoid replaced entirely for 450 dollars (insert troll face).

So upon some research this is the wall I have now hit. The illustration that the mechanic gave me that came from the manual that shows what needs to be replaced is this https://i.imgur.com/lCnQt.png The gasket that needs to be replaced that they are telling me cant be ordered is that solenoid base gasket.

Upon looking up the parts for my car, indeed you cannot find this gasket. See here: http://www.hondapartsnow.com/Page_Pr...20Head%20(VTEC)

*Notice though that that solenoid base is attached here. Also I went ahead and orded the O rings and the filter figuring if I already had it off I might as well replace those too.

So I looked everywhere and could not find that base gasket they are telling me is the culprit. BUT upon looking at the 1995 Honda EX it appears that there is something that looks similar to what I need.(Number 15) http://www.hondapartsnow.com/Page_Pr...er%20Head%20(2)

The 1998 Honda Accord EX has a similar gasket, but has a different part #

So here are what I see as my 3 options/questions

1)One of those other gaskets fits and I can use them. If this is the case which or what part do # do I need to order?

2) That gasket doesnt exist on my model and its one of those other two gaskets that is shown, or some other problem. (My car is 40 miles away so I cant simply check right now)

3) That gasket is indeed the problem and it is true that I cannot order just that. If this is the case my plan is just to take RTV to it and call it a day. I am not willing to drop more than a couple hundred dollars into this car.

Thanks in advance for any help.

rpmraper

dude they sell them all over ebay i saw them yesterday, the top AND side gasket for 14 bucks each. i need them too lol

motegicivic

The top gasket is 36172-P08-015 order that.

I assume you know the other gasket number is, the one that goes to the block, it is in your diagram.

Luckily you did your homework, or you would of been out 450.

rpk1002

I understand that, like I said I cannot not find the part number specific to the model and year of my car. Will the top gasket from the 95 civic EX (that I mentioned in my first post) fit mine? Hondaparts and other sites say no, but do not provide a part number (or even schematic showing it) for that gasket in the 98 Civic ex. Does this make sense?

motegicivic

Did you see my post? above?

rpk1002

Yeah sorry, slow refresh. Thanks!

fadedej1

bro i got my gasket from honda for a few bucks i recently replaced mine too lol

cheggie

Local honda dealer couldn't find this gasket for my 96 EX, it is indeed the same as the 95 EX. For some reason, it is difficult/impossible to find in the catalog. It leaked something awful on my car. 36172-P08-015 is definately the one you want.

It is suprising how quickly some mechanics will "give up" a search and pass the buck to you.

motegicivic

Even the Honda mechanic didn't know it was replaceable. They can't find it because it is not listed on the parts schematic.

rpmraper

maybe your honda dealer is just an idiot.. here you go..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-HONDA-CI...item5ae3cf376f

rpmraper

they make gaskets for the top and the side.. thats the top i believe but i can get both email me i dont check pm's

floridaorangeboost85@yahoo.com

rpmraper

this guy is who i go through for stuff like gaskets ect good rep and shipping was FAST
look him up on ebay his name is dan autopartssupplygroup

travis b

I just replaced my vtec solenoid gasket...It was 12 bucks for me at the honda dealership!

rpmraper

sounds to me like they are just trying to shake you for money, if i were you id order the gaskets from the internet or maybe another honda dealer. then take the package up to your honda and demand to speak to the service manager and say..here are your parts that they dont make..then call him an *** hole and leave..

motegicivic

For the 96-00 ex's not service fault it is not listed on the vehicle parts schmetics.

A smart person will be a member of this forum and research to see you can get it from a different car's schmetic.

rpmraper

either way its still a mistake on hondas part . why would you leave that out? its kinda important ya know? that one mistake almost cost a customer hundreds of dollars. and if its not in that schmetic, atleast make an interchangeable part number.

rpk1002

Yeah, I dont know why the stopped posting that top gasket in the catalog after the 95 model, but it is indeed the same gasket.

Its kind of funny because that gasket is by FAR the easiest thing I have ever replaced on my car and took all but 2 minutes.

I certainly dont blame my mechanic, as far as he was aware the part was not sold individually and I wouldn't expect him to put in that amount of time looking for an obscure gasket. It is definately Honda's fault for not listing it for those model years.

Thank you guys for all the help, a 650 dollar total estimate turned into a 12 buck self fix. Honda Tech for the win!

Texas4door

$650?!?!
Where'd the extra $200 come from, "labor"?
XP

Dude, I'd NEVER go back to that ripoff shop!

motegicivic

That was for the whole spool valve. The labor is way overpriced though.

rpk1002

Yeah that was labor plus the diagnostic (which ended up being $50).

Meanwhile I replaced the gasket for 12 and haven't had a problem since.

furious94ls

You should print out the ebay listing above, and bring it there. Then tell him you are reporting his shop. That is just outragous.