Please read all or go to the REAL issue below:

Ok... the long : I have a rebuilt block and I worked on the car in my back yard. When it came time to install the head, I was alone and had some issues getting it on w/ the manifold already installed.

I got it on, but was afraid some dusty wind that was kicking at the time may have gotten stuck to the head gasket before I could lower the head onto the block. I had sprayed the HG with copperseal as I had done on previous HGs...

Since then, the car has been mysteriously losing oil. No white smoke, no drops on the ground. Although I spec'd my tolerances a bit loose for nitrous... I am baffled by the missing oil. Between oil changes I could lose as much as 1.5 Qts !! and as little as 1/2 Qt.

Recently I found my vtec solenoid leaking some oil, so I figured that was the problem, changed the O rings and done. But I'm still losing oil. I have found one area that builds up gunk and dirt fairly quickly and am assuming it's a fine, minute leak.... but 1- 1.5 Qt's every 3k isn't 'minor' to me.

The REAL issue:

The area is right where the HG tab sits... gunk builds up but NEVER get's 'wet'... basically it looks like black grime... the buildup spreads down the block a few inches and also covers the first 2 primaries of the header somewhat. Could this be an oil leak ? Is it common ? I need to decide whether I'm going to change my headgasket or not !

Anyone can help ?

 

No love for the X ?

 

Is there anybody out there ?

 

Did you chance the VTEC Spool Filter? mine is leaking too, and thats what I have been told is the problem.. its leaking and building up where the HG tab is.

what about Camshaft seals? or there is another seal that is around the area a shop was telling me about..but i forget what he said it was called.

I'm leaking a little bit of oil as well.. i dont think that it is as much as you, but I also check mine every few days and top off if any is needed.

try using thicker oil too maybe.. i know syn 5w-30 burns fast in my friends prelude.

 

Well I changed both O ring style gaskets on my vtec solenoid, which includes a wire screen... is that what you're referring to ?

My cam seal is less than 2 years old... I just did a full rebuild about 18 months ago and w/e I do a rebuild, I change all seals, so my cam, distributor, valve cover, valve seals, etc are all new...