hokiedad4

I've got a leak to the left side of the valve cover. It's not enough to cause any significant loss of oil between oil changes but it's making a mess of the engine and my driveway. Would this be fixed by replacing the valve cover gasket?



2004 Civic LX 4-dr AT, 292k

mikey1

there is a round plug at the end of the cam/valve cover, you can see it in your pic (black)

i would replace that plug along with your valve cover gasket, seeing as both are cheap and its an easy job

drhawkinz

should be part #6 on this diagram: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...EAD+%28VTEC%29

hokiedad4

Ok, thanks. Looks fairly easy.

hokiedad4

Another question. recommends application of RTV to the cap. Any thoughts? I have some and don't mind applying it but I'm skeptical whether it would help.

Got the cap and EGR gasket on order.

mikey1

no harm in adding a SMALL BIT as long as it is high temp approved

ezone

I don't use RTV on that...I figure the O ring in the cap should do a good enough job for another 100,000 miles or so.

hokiedad4

Replaced that part yesterday but ran into another challenge.

I wanted to remove the EGR valve and even purchased a replacement gasket but could figure out no way to get into those tight spaces to remove the fasteners. Nor was I able to find a video of the procedure.

Any tips?

bsmiley

Take a look at this thread that includes cleaning the EGR valve. The poster is gearbox and he advises a socket and extension to get off the two bolts.
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...up-mods-6.html

ezone

Here's my favorite


But I doubt anyone is gonna find one of these easily.


Next might be one of these



Seriously, I don't remember, and IDK how a DIYer would do it. I have an arsenal of tools to select from.

Anyone else? Anyone? Bueller?
--

Alternate method comes to mind...but you risk pinching the O ring when you bolt down the journal cap.
Remove the valve cover, remove the journal cap that covers the plastic plug in question, replace plug and reassemble? That would let you avoid touching the EGR valve altogether.
Remember to use some sealer between the flat mating surfaces of the aluminum parts.



HTH

bsmiley

My 01 LX has no EGR, but I might try a crows foot on an extension.

hokiedad4

I have a swivel and it wasn't close to fitting into the front fastener.

I don't have a crow's foot set but that might be worth a try.

ezone

That was a regular 3/8" swivel? Square drive on each end? Probably still too long. And fat.

Short 12mm socket 1/4" drive and a long extension? Maybe with a swivel?

Got any 1/4" drive swivel sockets? That's what the pic was. IDK if it will fit though.


Sacrifice a wrench? Torch it and bend it?

Pete6032

Has anyone done this and accidentally broken off a tab? That's the only thing that's got me worried about this, but the Honda dealer wants $150 to do it. I'm not sure how much peace of mind is worth.

ezone

What tab? One of the 4 tabs on the plastic plug?
Yeah at least one always seems to break when I pry it out of the head. I can usually fish the broken piece out though...