LynchMobile

I've had my 1997 Honda Civic LX for a about a month, and a oil leak has been a problem since day one. The leak seems to be coming from the back of the engine, Its coming from some sort of sensor or gauge that is ... well overly "attached" onto the engine. It has 4 bolts holding it in place but its the only place where I can see oil coming from. If you can just tell me what the part is, and even how to replace it that would be very helpful, thanks. (It's the grey marshmellow looking thing attached to the engine)

ezone

Hi neighbor!

That looks like the VTEC "spool valve assembly". That should make your car (or engine) an EX or HX, not LX?

(4 bolts? Am I not looking at the correct item?)


Another pic of a VTEC valve, the solenoid coil is the top round part.



The valve itself is not usually a problem......but it has 2 gaskets that commonly leak, they are made of rubber and and they can leak a LOT of oil when they get old, hard, and brittle.

This one is listed in the Honda dealer catalog, 15825-P2M-005 is around $20:







This one is not listed for your year, you have to ask for one that fits a 95 EX Civic:


Someone else here in the forum actually bought this gasket for their 6th gen and reported back that it was correct.
36172-P08-015 is the part # for the upper gasket from a 95 EX, and it should be about $8.

The top section (solenoid coil) has 3 bolts. There are small parts that can be lost though, so you gotta be careful. If you lose anything, you will be buying the whole valve, which is about $365.

Your dealer can usually get the parts the next day if they don't have them in stock.
Mail order (Majestic) for the gaskets might not be any cheaper after shipping charges are added.

HTH