How do I fix this minor oil leak?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 
How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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
2004 Civic LX 4-dr AT, 292k
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,499
Likes: 5
Rep Power: 210 
Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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
i would replace that plug along with your valve cover gasket, seeing as both are cheap and its an easy job
Registered!!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 380
Likes: 3
From: Raleigh, NC
Rep Power: 156 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
should be part #6 on this diagram: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...EAD+%28VTEC%29
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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.
Got the cap and EGR gasket on order.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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.
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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?
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?
Registered!!
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Rep Power: 150 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...up-mods-6.html
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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
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
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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?
Registered!!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: How do I fix this minor oil leak?
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.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
LionSpratt
General Automotive Discussion
14
Jan 29, 2017 11:07 PM
RIPSAW
Fuel, Oil, Cleaners & Other Maintenance
7
Nov 6, 2015 04:36 AM
nefliminator
7th Generation Civic 2001 - 2005
5
May 28, 2015 10:18 AM
