2000 Si B16A2 Issue: My car is leaking oil from under the VTEC Solenoid again. I have replaced all of the gaskets on the side of the engine where the oil is coming from, yet the leak still comes back from the VTEC Solenoid.

I have replaced:
1. Distributor O-Rings
2. Cam seals/Cam Seal Cap (or plug)
3. VTEC Solenoid Gasket filter and O-ring
4. Valve cover gasket (with Honda bond)
5. All bolts are tightened to spec as the Honda service manual requires.


So my question is: Has anyone used Honda Bond on the Vtec Solenoid Filter gasket? I have read in places where people have suggested it, but I have never found a definitive answer if we should or not.

Note: The HSM for 96-00 Civics does not say if we should or not. (Section/page 6-6)

 

I had the same problem you have. The only thing I replaced were the two gaskets for the VTEC solenoid and it went away. I did use a little RTV when putting everything together so you may want to try that.

 

A little Hondabond goes a long way on those.

 

Gah, yes this reminds me to change my own.

 

usually once you replace both vtec solenoid gaskets/seals you shouldn't have any leaks there..

ALWAYS remember when installing rubber gaskets to PRESS them into place, Do NOT slide your finger across it to get it into place or else it will "grow" and will not seal properly.

 

Thanks for the tip!

I appreciate everybody's suggestions.

In this case, I did press them in, and did not slide my fingers around the gaskets when I installed it into the Solenoid. But a very nice suggestion though, something i'll remember.

The very last question I have is if I should put the honda bond just on the outside corners of the gasket? Or should I lightly coat the entire perimeter of it?

 

Just the corners would be your best bet. I put a small bead all around the perimeter but the problem with that is when you tighten the bolts all the excess will squeeze out and get into the oil chanels. What I ended up doing was remove the solenoid again, wipe away the excess RTV and reinstall.

 

Yeah, that was my main concern. And I will certainly give that a swing this afternoon. Any idea how long it takes for Honda bond to set? I've never driven after applying it. I've always let it set overnight, but I was curious as to how long it has to sit before starting the car?

 

i dont think it needs to set.

i have never used any rtv or HB on vtec sol gaskets/seals...they always seal perfect for me so no need for it..

HB/rtv is good for the lumped areas on the VC gasket.

Thats a good tip to remember with gaskets is always PRESS them into place never scoot your fingers across or else they will grow and you will mad as hell and confused as hell wonder how the hell it grew and will not fit LOL.

any updates on the leak? i hope you got it taken care of by now.

 

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Haha. Well see thats what I was thinking. Maybe its just mechanic error. As many times i've done it before i've never had it be this stubborn. I was contemplating on picking up another gasket (only a few dollars anyways) and attempt to reinstall incase the other gasket I purchased sealed incorrectly due to an improper install.

I just hate the risk in possibly getting some of the Hbond into the passages and having it block, or flake off into the engine. But as others have said it should be fine on just the corners.

So what i'll probably do in the mean time is use the Hbond, see if it comes back, and if so I'll purchase another gasket and go from there. Ill have an update for everyone later today when I get off work.

 

dude i am being honest. Don't use HB or rtv on the vtec sol seals... its not needed...the oem new seals should fix this issue and if it doesn't then something else is causing it..be sure the "valleys" that the seals sit in are clean and free of debris.

 

Sounds good.

I'll go pick up a gasket on my way home. I'll let you know how it turns out!

 

ok let us know whats up