Im having leaks on my cylinder head on my b16a. i showed pics where the leaks are coming from. Honda tech guys are saying its my vtec solenoid gasket that needs to be replaced, but what i dont get is that i got to use a 90-91 NSX vtec solenoid gasket, and that the delsol one wont fit cause its not the same shape, is this true? and how does that work?

 

How would the NSX gasket fit on a b16 considering its a 3/3.2 leitre v6.If its a first gen b16 I'm assuming the head is just an A which would be a pr3? Why not go to honda and get a pr3 vtec solenoid gasket? I dunno if the gasket/solenoid are the same for the c30a/c32b and b16a.

 

It all depends what vtec solenoid you have - this will determine which gasket you need.

Honda designed two vtec solenoids for the B series. The older OBD-0 style has a thinner gasket and comes on the first gen b16 (1988-1991). The only car sold in the US that uses the same gasket is the 91 NSX. Since you cant just order parts for an engine that was never brought to America, it is easier to order the NSX gasket.

Oil leaks from this area are common. FYI The newer vtec solenoid uses a fatter gasket for better sealing and is definitely an improvement to the older design.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/diy-crx-jdm-b16-vtec-solenoid-gasket-change-2173498/



Differences between the solenoids

 

So were there any differences in the oil pressure between the 2 solenoids? Like would the nsx engage earlier or, how does that work. Like would I be able to use a b series vtec solenoid on a d series, I know it may seem like a silly question.

 

A 1st gen solenoid is just an older design that happened to use the same gasket as the NSX which was from the same vintage.

It has NOTHING to do with rpm engagement, that is controlled by the ecu