Once again i have a leaking valve cover gasket [which by itself, is a small problem hardly meriting attention]. And as it's leaking right in front it's an oil leak that's easy to find. Even for a non mechanic like myself.

But this is at least the fourth time that this has happened in five years!! Why??

It's happened with both dealer/OEM gasket kits AND Non OEM gasket kits

On two occasions, good mechanics told me that the oil leak could NOT be from the Valve Cover Gasket as they had just recently replaced it!


It's my conclusion that this MUST be caused by a defect or imperfection on the metal parts -- the valve cover itself or the part of the engine that it sits on.


your thoughts?

 

yeah...the factory ones, you need to be sure Honda Bond is placed on those specific areas.

I've noticed frontal leaks with non-factory seals. With those, you need to gunk that sheit everywhere. Apply it, then wait till it tacks up, then re-install the cover.

 

my b series has always leaked from the valve cover...3 gaskets later and a crapload of hondabond it seems fine now. pita

 

Thanks guys, very helpful.

This prob alone would no be so much of an issue if the car wasn't on its very last legs -- now i'm now just saving for another EF.

 

what kind of shape is the pcv valve in? Maybe an excess of pressure is making the gaskets fail.

 

Thanks Manny,

I believe someone told me it was in good shape. But i'll have it looked at again.

 

replace it, it's only a few dollars

 

OK, will do. thanks

 

For the purpose of sharing information i'll add this:

My mechanic said that it was blow by that was contributing to my issue with Valve Cover Gaskets. He said that because i have so much unburnt fuel mixed in with the oil that the oil isn't really doing what it's supposed to do. I do have major blow by and i do burn a ton. Even using 20W-50 i burn a ton.

This explanation sounds somewhat consistent with what i've heard before.

Truth be told i haven't been changing my oil as regularly as i should be -- so it makes sense.

[this car has served me very well. but it's time to get a new one -- whether it be another EF or whatever. this one just has way too much probs and is not worth fixing. I'd be much better off finding another car with less rust and fixing that up)

 

hmm STRANGE you blame the metal imperfections

I have changed several and no leaks even 5 years afterwards


install the gasket, hand snug the bolts with a socket NO WRENCH

let the motor heat up to normal operational temp, then snug the bolts down another 1/8

if she leaks, let it get operating temp again and go another 1/8

you did finger the gasket in fresh oil right?

no need for honda bond

 

Thanks for posting, Matt.