Rep Power: 0

I am having a oil leak issue with my 98 EX coupe. a while back the car overheated and warped the main head. I had the head milled, and fixed that issue. Now my car is leaking oil like crazy. I replaced the valve cover gasket a week ago thinking that may have been the issue, but the car still leaks an is covering the engine in oil. I did notice oil leaking from my vtec. I went to my Honda dealer and got the lower gasket the one that butts up to the block, and not the upper gasket. I tuned the car over and my father noticed the leak was coming from the vtec area still. Any help is appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 123

It is best to replace both gaskets as they become brittle and crack leading to leaks. I replaced both on my old ex. The leak looked like a valve cover gasket leak because it when all around the head and down to the block.

Also make sure to clean the old oil off so you can see if there is any new leaks or if the leak was fixed.

 
Rep Power: 518

Replace the VTEC upper gasket.

36172-P08-015 will fit, it's for a 95 Civic. There is no listing for the same gasket on anything newer, but it's been confirmed to fit.

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/36-mechanical-problems-vehicle-issues-fix-forum/361986-leak-vtec-solenoid.html#post4675119

 
Rep Power: 210

I had a '98 EX coupe about 4 years ago (have a '97 now) and it had a leaking Vtec solenoid. I replaced the larger gasket that mates the Vtec solenoid with the cylinder head and torqued to spec but, it still leaked. Searched through a lot of online info and some recommended to use Hondabond sealant on top of the new gasket but, to be very careful to not get any on screen filter. I removed the Vtec and carefully added Hondabond directly on top of the gasket, replaced it, torqued to spec, let sit 24 hours before starting car and never had a leak afterwards..sold the car two years later with no leak.

Some of the info I read said that the Vtec solenoid can warp and the gasket alone won't seal it properly. Another possible solution might be to: Remove rubber gasket and on a flat/level glass top table put a piece of 320 grit, wet sand (black) paper face up and sand the Vtec's mating surface as level as possible. Similar to cylinder head sanding shown in video below starting at 1:15 time mark:


Other areas of leaks are:
1) Distributor O-ring gasket
2) Oil pan gasket
3) Rear main seal
4) front crank seal
5) Front cam seal

Did you use Hondabond or RTV silicone sealant on the inside corners (nearest hump) of the valve cover?

 
Rep Power: 0

I went back to Honda this morning, and got the top gasket. Went to replace the one that was on it, and it was cracked. Replaced it, and no more leak. Thanks guys for your help