jarret83

I have a leak coming from the top left of the engine. I know for sure that the vtec solenoid is leaking. But could it run to the front of the engine? It's a d17a2 2003 civic ex. The picture added is of the front of the motor. Thank you any advice is appreciated.

Falloutkid90

It think the vtec solinoid is on the back not the front and that looks like alot of oil. I cant really tell by the picture but maybe its coming from the valve cover gasket which is alittle higher up from the headgasket and you could fix that yourself for alot cheaper!

NDNV

If it was my car, I would take it back to that shop you just had the TB service done and ask them about this new oil leak. I also wouldn't use synthetic oil on an older engine at this stage of the game - too thin and may cause leaks - some may disagree with me but advantages of synthetic do not outweigh oil leaks IMO.

todoslosdiaz

ive dealed with a similar looking problem on my past three civics. it comes from a plastic plug on the left side of the engine. the plug (just looks like a circular plastic cap) is between engine and egr valve. the plug is a pronged plastic piece with an o-ring that is prone to wearing out. the piece cost me $12 and took 5 minutes to replace with a flathead screwdriver

sak12

So do you have part number for that piece to replace or know what it is called? I've had this issue for a long time and figured since my car has so many miles it wouldn't be worth it to fix. Thanks.

NDNV

Camshaft end plug or cap or cylinder head plug. It is a cheap part and easy to swap on the left top end of the engine. Search on "camshaft end plug leak" for more info.

I believe it is part #6 (#12513-P72-003) in this diagram... 2003 Honda Civic EX 4D 4AT CYLINDER HEAD (VTEC)

Rick hybrid

go to a automotive parts store like NAPA, cheaper than the dealership.
replaced it on my 2004, easy repair.

sak12

Thanks! I got the part for like $8. Super easy and quick. Thanks for the help.

Danny Dryburgh

[QUOTwwwE=jarret83;50705701]I have a leak coming from the top left of the engine. I know for sure that the vtec solenoid is leaking. But could it run to the front of the engine? It's a d17a2 2003 civic ex. The picture added is of the front of the motor. Thank you any advice is appreciated.[/QUOTE]
It is for sure the vtec soleniod gaskets. Mine was doing the same thing leaking a quart a week. The picture posted looked just like my engine with a bunch of oil on it. The oil looked like it was coming from the front but it runs down the side of the engine and falls down the front. There are definetly youtube videos srep by step on how to replace the gaskets. It's really easy to do. I did it in about an hour and parts cost just $27.

Ed43758

I just had the same oil run on my honda 1.7 vtec after replacing gaskets head plug oil leak still present. The vtec seals which does not look to be able to run down front of engine is the problem. It was the top seal the one i least suspected. It would blow out a quart of oil every 300 miles. And run right down around the bell housing.