Rep Power: 223

Pull the spark plugs out and the engine will spin easier

 
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Why didnt I think of that! Thanks, Colin. Will let you know soon how it all gets patched up.

 
Rep Power: 519

Either tighten the bolt, or use the pulley holding tool to rotate the crank

 
Rep Power: 211

i temporarily install the crank pulley, and use the crank holding tool to rotate the crank

edit : ezone beat me to it

 
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Right, 2 more good ideas. Again, why didnt I think of that!

Update, people: Was so glad when all was done with new seals/gaskets, so started it up, ran great, drove it for 1 mile, came home, looked at engine and the SAME leak is there. Sheesh. Now, I am looking at that vtec solenoid, and see it leaking like mad. So what the heck??? Cant tell if it is from the top seal or the side one with the metal mesh. That mesh one is the new one I installed. Is the top one one that should be done too?

Now Im edjukatid a bit. No more head gaskets for a long while.

Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 211

On two separate 6th gen (1.6L) Vtec motors I've owned I had to install a new Vtec gasket and use Hondabond as the new gaket alone would not stop the leak.. The Vtec solenoid mating surface can warp from heating and cooling cycles.

 
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Thanks, HR. Good to know experiences. Man, I tell you, I cant even confirm Its not the solenoid, I mean, The same leak is there, dribbling down that same corner (passsenger side, front cylinder), oozing down. It cant be the new head gasket, not to mention as ezone pointed out they cant leak, so I thought for sure it was the solenoid cuz after removing head and placing it on bench, I viewed oil drizzling down solenoid cavity. I know everyone here has had it with my problem, and seems there is no use with any other remedy/advice. Im almost giving up. Only thing is get another new solenoid gasket, then see, then if no use could be warped solenoid as you say, or main engine seal mating up to bell housing as it is running down along there.

Will clean engine one more time and watch the bell housing ooze path. Maybe but a mechanic's mirror and try it.

 
Rep Power: 223

Did you replace both gaskets? Mating surfaces clean?

 
Rep Power: 519

Replace the upper gasket on the vtec valve if you heven't already....do you need the honda part number? (your local dealer won't find it)
Did you replace the cam plug?
Did you put a dab of rtv in the 4 corners for the valve cover gasket during assembly?

Did you remove the cam when you had the head off?

 
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No, because for some reason the supplier offered only one gasket, the lower one. I didnt think the upper was as important, and could also be replaced much easier after all was assembled. Now Im going to order the SET. And redo both. East job compared to the huge job I did.

mating surfaced extremely clean. Acetone was used. And a THIN film of white lithium grease on surface of solenoid side gasket.

 
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Ezone, didnt do upper (addressed above). Will do it now. Easy chore for low risk. Got that part #? Cam plug was replaced although, you got to believe me the old one (replaced less than 2 years ago) was not leaking, and easy to verify cuz it's not buried like the solenoid. I wish so bad it was the plug.

Dab of rtv was placed at 4 corners. Valve cover gasket is not leaking (best I can telll). I didnt remove cam. Seal is on opposite side of leak, and lot leaking yet. Can do later if necessary without too much trouble. Ive done these before. But I know, I didnt do a 100% job. Leak is in same place- same as picture I posted way back on this thread. Im now driving the car , observing occasionally, scrutinizing that solenoid. Ordered a mechanic's mirror.

Thanks for the continued support. At least car is driveable.

 
Rep Power: 211

If you end up using Hondabond or other sealant on the Vtec solenoid take care to avoid getting it on the screen.

 
Rep Power: 519

See this post:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4675119

 
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Got it now, ezone. Thanks. After this, I expect no more mystery oil leak. We shall see.........

 
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Wow, after installing that upper solenoid gasket ezone suggested oil leak is finally fixed!!!!!!!! Whew! That was it, people! I wiped everything down, drove it for 2-3 days, and no more oozing/dripping! What an ordeal! You guys were right. I have learned much here. And everyone here has helped me figure it out!! Thanks to everyone!!!