Hey guys, 2000 EX D16Y8 Auto here. Had the typical vtec/distributor o-ring leak so I replaced both of them but it still leaks from the same area. Valve cover gasket was replaced as well, using hondabond at the corners. Only thing that I didn't replace was the INTERNAL distributor seal. Could this be what is causing it to still leak? Any input would be appreciated. Please see the pictures at the link below...

This is driving me insane because I can smell oil through the vents any time I come to a stop with the heat on.

Oil Leak - Album on Imgur

 

Any oil leak you would clean off all the oil then look carefully for where it first reappears. Is there oil inside the distributor? If the shaft seal leaks it could end up running out the cap area. Generally this causes running problems too.

 

I ran my finger under where the plastic cap meets the metal and I didn't feel any oil. There was some dirt under there but nothing wet. After I replaced the gaskets, I degreased the entire engine and it still leaks from the same area. I guess it might be worth using some UV dye to pinpoint the leak. When I replaced the vtec gasket and o ring, the rubber on both gaskets was very hard and brittle so they definitely needed to be replaced. I haven't experienced any running problems which leads me to believe that there is no oil inside the distributor. I guess I can take the cap off and see if there's anything in there. It really seems like it's coming from the o-ring again, which doesn't make any sense because the new one fit perfectly and it was the OE gasket from Honda.

I guess UV dye is next.

 

Check the seals on the crankshaft, camshaft, and balance shaft. I own a 99 ex with the same motor and just had an oil leak in the same spot. ended up being the cam seal. I also replaced the water pump and timing belt while i was in there. might as well replace them.

 

The Vtec solenoid can warp and cause mating issues. Use Hondabond on the Vtec (snowman) gasket but, do not get any on the filter screen and toque to spec. Also there's two gaskets for for the Vtec.. a smaller triangular gasket that is in between the solenoid and spool valve. Did you use an OEM O-ring for distributor?

 

Yes, there is oil under pressure in the VTEC solenoid, so it can leak a lot of oil fast. They can leak from several places besides just the gasket where it mates to the head. Sometimes these leaks don't occur except while VTEC is engaged.

 

loctite 5109 is a honda bond substitute, works just as well. power wash the engine front and back carefully and let it dry. then take baby powder and sprinkle it on the engne. that will tell you where the leak is. If you didnt replace the top vtec solenoid gasket, I would start there.
Hondas run forever if you can keep oil in them

 

Exactly. More specifically, check the cam seal directly behind the VTEC solenoid, they are notorious for leaking, but there are a fairly easy fix as well.

 

I understand this is an older thread, but I would like to make everyone aware of the following with regards to changing the seals on the VTEC.

If you are replacing these seals, you HAVE to replace the bolts as well. These are M6 bolts and they will stretch over time and as such won't be able to hold the proper torque spec. As such, even when you do replace the gaskets, they won't seal properly due to the stretched bolts. There is no need to use permatex or honda bond sealer on these gaskets. Just make sure you replace the bolts. These stretched bolts will also easily snap in two when you are trying to torque them to spec. That happened to one of my bolts.

These are the specs on the bolts:

Side bolts are 3x M6-1.00mm 45mm long HEX flange bolts, grade 10.9, torque 8.7ft-lbs
Top bolts are 3x M6-1.00mm 18mm long HEX flange bolts, grade 10.9, torque 8.7ft-lbs.

You can get these bolts at your local auto store (OReilly/Autozone). I replaced the top bolts with ones that were 16mm long (20mm is too long so don't buy those. The local autostore didn't have 18mm. But 16mm will work which is whatI got).

Hope this is helpful for some people.