Hi everyone,

I would appreciate any advice or help on my only problem with my 2002 CR-V right now. I want to keep this car so bad but just can't figure out where the leak is coming from.

Got it about 3 months ago from someone in Vancouver. We noticed a lot of oil leaks and we could see that it came from the V-TEC solenoid and Valve Cover, so we had replaced the gaskets for V-TEC solenoid and valve cover. It still leaks about 2 to 3 drops everyday and my oil level is decreasing everyday.

The oil leaks usually from the passenger side and soaks the passenger side axle boot, lower chassis etc. I have checked the V-TEC solenoid again and it doesn't look like from that side. Would it be from the AC compressor or cam shaft etc area?

Anyone ever had the same issue and fixed the oil leak, please give me some advice. Thank you !

 

There is another VTC filter cover that attaches to the head I think. It's held on by two 10mm bolts and sits behind the power steering pump. Honda part no: 15845-RAA-A01

There's a couple other things it could be in that area though - this one is cheap and not too hard to fix. There's also another switch or solenoid above the oil filter, maybe that's leaking too?

 

There is the VTC oil control solenoid (2 pin connector) in a recess on the passenger side of the cylinder head. This has an metric 1.5x17 O-ring that can leak. Also, the timing cover attaches to the head around that solenoid, and mine was leaking at that junction because the previous installer forgot the timing cover bolt in that same recess. Top bolt there holds the timing cover on, bottom bolt holds the VTC oil control solenoid into the cylinder head. The oil pressure switch (OPS) leaks on a lot of cars too.

 

Switch to high-mileage oil as well. Valvoline MaxLife rocks. I bought a Pilot with 110kkms 4 1/2 years ago and its engine was oily. Switched it to MaxLife and it's been dry ever since.

 

So, here's an update on the oil leak:

We found out that it's the VTC filter that keeps leaking oil when the car is turned on. Apparently there is a gasket on it, thanks to @RyanTM3 ! (#11 on the pic below)
The Honda part number for this is 15845-RAA-A01.

As I mentioned, we have replaced the VTec solenoid gasket, but I still can see some leaks on my passenger side axle, OPS, and oil filter. This leak seems to be coming from the top. No leaks anywhere on the valve cover, I am sure.
I can still see the VTec solenoid still has oil on it after I cleaned it with a brake cleaner. Apparently, there is another 13x1.5 O-ring for the VTec's Valve Timing Oil Pressure (#17 on the pic below)
The Honda part number for this is 91319-PAA-A01

Now... there are another 2 bolts (7 mm) on top of the VTec solenoid (beside the valve timing oil pressure), I opened it up and I can see there is another O-Ring inside of it, which is bad already...
Tried to find this O-Ring in any Honda dealers, they don't have it... Anyone had ever replaced this and bought this anywhere? Please advise !

 

They are just common metric O-rings, Buna-N/NBR/Nitrile (all words for the same thing), probably around 70 durometer. The trouble will be finding a shop that will sell you 1 or 2 pcs. The value is so low the transaction isn't worthwhile to them. The proper convention for metric o rings is (cross section)x(inside diameter), or 1.5x13 for your VTec OPS.

I am pretty sure the VTC o ring is 1.5x17.

 

Hey @RyanTM3 . Thanks again!

You're saying the O-ring size that I'm looking for is 1.5x17? Have you replaced this? any resource?

 

Sorry to be confusing. I was talking about the VTC solenoid, thinking you might want to do that while you're at it. The Vtec oil pressure switch O-ring you have already identified as 1.5x13. I am not sure about the Vtec solenoid O-ring. You could take it out an measure it.

 

Thanks!

I actually checked my VTC solenoid on the side and I don't see any leak running from there, which is thank Good God !

The leak is from the front and rear of the passenger side of the car, I will try to replace the two I listed below in a week and provide you guys with an update:
1 15845-RAA-A01.
2. 91319-PAA-A01

 

The O-ring variety kits can be had on the Ebay and Ali Express for next to nothing. Rock Auto has them too. I bought a kit from Princess Auto here in Canada as I was at the store and it was on sale, and already used several rings for a variety of purposes. Worth every penny.

 

Hi Ryan,

For replacing the O-ring for the VTC Solenoid (#8 on the pic, right?), we can just work on it while the engine is on the car right??? It looks a bit tight...

 

good idea but unlikely the Chinese made stuff will go the distance of oem

 

You can get the VTC solenoid out while the engine is in the car, but you need to keep it super clean during re-assembly - its almost like playing Operation!. I would clean the area best you can with brake clean, etc, before disassembly.

Just because a part comes out of China does not mean it is instantly garbage. There are lots of reputable manufacturers who have factories in, or source from China.

 

we are talking gaskets here. From my experience Chinese gaskets have not gone the distance of oem.

 

I am having the same issue. I found my was leaking from a small two bolt panel on the passenger side just under the valve cover beside the tensioner pulley.

 

Do yourself a favour and change oil to high-mileage, similar to Valvoline MaxLife (dunno if it's still sold in Canada). Give it 1-2 months and see if the leak remains.

 

I know this is a way old thread. Just to share anyway, you can go to thomasnet.com and find a manufacturer to make these things as well. Just for future reference.