Didn't know if anyone here may have any insight into the problem and point me in the right direction before I begin. My civic is losing oil and it seems to be predominately (or at least much worse) when the vtec sys kicks in. Obviously, as the picture shows, oil is leaking from somewhere. If I keep the engine below 4k and stay out of the vtec it seems to be fine and the oil level is ok. However, if I take it above 4k repeatedly of over a short period of time, I lose enough oil that it gets to the point the engine will cut out before allowing vtec to kick in due to low oil pressure. So any ideas where I may be leaking oil that the vtec system would escalate the problem before I start cleaning, tearing apart, etc......??????

http://imagebin.org/274901


What the pic doesnt show though is that there is oil around the left side of the engine back. Not on the vtec solenoid but some beneath it.

D17a2

 

Valve cover gasket most likely needs to be replaced. Looks like it's seeping out right next to the front right corner of the cover.

 

Clean engine, repair visible leaks. You could add dye and use a uv light to check for leaks. How much is being burnt as part of the combustion process due to worn piston rings?