Rep Power: 0

We have an 2003 civic lx 4cyl manual. We searched, but its a difficult oil leak to search on.

We have a slow oil leak we noticed around May when we cleaned the engine. Since we bought the car used, originally I wondered if it was just sloppy maintenance from the previous owner. We decided to clean it up and keep an eye on it. Well now its December and the oil is back. It looks to be coming from the inner most plug (closest to the intake) and running down the valve cover. I have not noticed any oil usage from the leak, but the shop said it could cause issues with the spark plug if I did not fix the leak.

Here is a pic point to were the leak is coming from...


Don't have any pics of the leak as it got cleaned off before I got a pic.

What do I need to do to fix the leak? Is there a oil ring or seal that needs to be replaced.

Thank you!

 
Rep Power: 314

You need part #6. While you have the valve cover off you might as well replace all 4.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...DER+HEAD+COVER

 
Rep Power: 235

Just buy #1 and replace all the gaskets.

 
Rep Power: 314

Yea you could do that. I reused most of my gaskets when I removed my valve cover and i havent had any problems... its preference, if your careful you really dont need to.

 
Rep Power: 812

there are some areas that need silicone/hondabond around the gasket. if they stay in place when you reassemble it will prolly be fine, but if they peel off you will get a leak.

 
Rep Power: 0

What areas would need this? When you say "stay in place" do you mean the gasket will remain adhered to either the cover or the engine surface, when the valve cover is removed? And if so, which side am I wanting it to remain attached to. I can be very careful to help it release in the correct areas

 
Rep Power: 314

The gasket fits inside of a groove on the valve cover so it should come off with the cover. You put the silicone/hondabond in the corners mostly, or wherever you think it may need it.

 
Rep Power: 812

if you are replacing it, just pull everything off and carefully remove any silicone residue. do not scratch the mating surfaces tho. when you put the new gasket on, you have to add new silicone to specific areas that may not seal well using just a gasket. i need to look this info up in the manual. maybe in a few days cause its pretty crazy here with family and stuff.

 
Rep Power: 235

Sorry about the fuzzy pic, phone cam. It is 2MP tho. lol

 
Rep Power: 314

I wish I had the real written manual, I only have the software copy so if I want certain things I have to print them out. I guess it's not a huge deal but it is nice to have the written

 
Rep Power: 512

That means you can take screen shots to provide pics.. :-P

You should totally hook me up with a copy, Tom

 
Rep Power: 314

Naa, no need to take screenshots. It's all internet explorer based so you can just right click the picture, save it and post it up on your pic hosting place.

 
Rep Power: 314

Actually, someone has the manual posted up right here on this forum. Looky here

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...e-updated.html

If that doesn't work look at this page, theres been an updated server or something:

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...pdated-10.html

 
Rep Power: 235

I've watched ebay and the used ones usually go for $35. Plus $10 shipping and it's dam near the price of a new one. You are probably just gonna have to break down and buy a Helms manual. Maybe ask Santa. lol.

 
Rep Power: 0

thank you all so much... guess a trip to Honda for some parts is in order. I need to get a manual, can't seem to catch the autoparts stores with a helms in stock ever! The real manufactures manuals are so superior though. I definitely need to invest in one!

 
Rep Power: 512

use hondapartscheap.com or hondaautomotiveparts.com.. Sure, it'll take a bit longer to get your parts, and shipping costs kinda suck, but you'll still save money buying from there than the dealership.

 
Rep Power: 0

sweet... will do... thanks again

 
Rep Power: 235

This one has everything from electrical diagrams and troubleshooting to diagnostic trees to, well, everything: http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...C01&itemtype=N

 
Rep Power: 314

I used that same manual to change the head gasket and it often omits important steps that have to be done haha... but for the most part its an excellent manual.

 
Rep Power: 812

thanks lazlong

 
Rep Power: 285

Why buy a manual, when we have lazlong to take pictures of the manual for us

 
Rep Power: 314

Because you can download it for free right from this website?

 
Rep Power: 235

That would actually involve using some brain cells. lol

 
Rep Power: 314

You have a good point. I think I'm going to delete the one I have on my computer and just start asking you to post pics of stuff I need!! On a serious note, if you really want the "Book" copy, you can always print it right off the computer version. Probably be a lot cheaper buying paper and ink than it would be to buy the hardcopy, and I wouldn't be afraid to get it dirty. I don't personally see a need for that though.

 
Rep Power: 235

Too easy. Let me email it to your iphone.