Telecatster

New VTEC (snowman) gasket is not sealing leak. Best sealant to use in conjunction with new gasket: Hondabond or RTV Grey or RTV black ?

Black R

Just a new seal and that's it.

2.0LSVEK

Do not use any sealant. The seals work fine on their own.

Telecatster

Well me VTEC may be warped then.

GhostAccord

If you need to use a sealant I would go with the RTV black. Although you shouldn't need anything with the O-ring..... must have a scratch or something in the mating surface. I can't see it being warped all of a sudden out of nowhere!

Telecatster

The only other possibilities are rear cam shat seal or leaking head gasket that doesn't effect the compression, as compression is between 145 to 150 on all cylinders.

I am trying to find a video or DIY for rear camshaft seal, but having trouble finding one.

Black R

The cam seal is easy peasy also.

Make sure you're using oem gaskets and seals.

Telecatster

I am using OEM seals and gaskets. My car is a 1998 Civic EX, does it have a cam seal similar to this one https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-6/integra-gsr-oil-leak-2238277/ Seems to me it bolted right to the block, but honestly I didn't pay a lot of attention to the block (or cam) when I replaced the VTEC seal.

PhilStubbs

If I remember right from your other thread, you have a d16y8. Those don't have a cam plug. There is a seal where the cam gear is and the distributor seals the other end.

Telecatster

Yeah that's it. Well that rules out a cam plug leak but, could possibly be a small head gasket leak. I am about 95% sure it's VTEC warping or seal related. I've read a lot of post where people added RTV or Hondabond and it fixed the leak.
Hopefully I will have the same luck.Would filing the face (gasket side) of VTEC housing help or hurt?

PhilStubbs

I am against using sealants where they aren't supposed to be. So I'm the wrong person to ask. If it even works its a band-aid. If you really think its warped(never seen that) grab another solenoid from the junkyard. Also check the head where it bolts on for scratches and make sure it's clean. Also, make sure your bolts aren't too long. They could be stopping before its tight

Telecatster

Cool Thanks. I am getting started on it within an hour and hope to get right this time. There's a lot of threads around the web with the same issue. I'll report back with results later today. Thanks for everyone's replies.

Telecatster

Well the mechanic I used to fix it last week over torqued it and broke the bottom bolt off.
He didn't even have the ***** to tell me and won't return my calls. The shop he worked for is most likely out of business as both phone numbers are no longer in service. His labor charge was $45 an hour and he did a few (good) jobs prior on my car.

Not enough of the old bolt to grab onto and not enough room to use a drill and reverse bit. I applied some JB weld to the piece that broke off and very carefully (avoiding block) attached it to the piece left in block. Doubtful, but hopeful it may work, if not I will need to bring to a real mechanic.

PhilStubbs

Good luck. That makes sense why it was leaking. It should be fine if you can get that piece out and get a new bolt

Telecatster

I got it out with a left-hand bit and torqued all three bolts down to spec, but still leaking.
It's coming from the top driver's side bolt and now I think it's the solenoid gasket of which I didn't replace yet. All in all I will consider myself fortunate if that is the only leak at 125K miles. If I do get it leak free I will then have to re-coat my asphalt (blacktop) driveway... it's an oily mess in a 3 foot square at the moment.

PhilStubbs

Lol, some time in the rain helps a lot of times

Telecatster

I torqued all 3 bolts down a bit past 10 ft.lbs and my son drove it around for an hour. When he returned I didn't see any more leakage. I put a drip pan under it overnight and this morning there was only a single drop of oil which could be residual. The local Honda dealer's price for the top gasket (solenoid) is $13. They said they have a few types that vary slightly in thickness and to bring the old one in to match up. I'll clean up the engine again before doing that as the issue may be solved as is.

Thanks for all the replies and talking me out of adding RTV to it.

PhilStubbs

Lol, good deal. Glad it got fixed the right way

lzylst

iTrader: (1)

Buy both, the spool gasket and the actual solenoid gasket.

NAH2B

u lose points for that