Honda Oil Leak Fix VTEC Solenoid

[@jayjanyh2932]

Another excellent camera angle, with perfect narration.

[@freetibetpls]

If there was a reward for greatest KZbin content creator, I’d vote for you in a heartbeat. My dad and I are always blown away by how amazing you are.​

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@HexBMX]

Dude..I do my own work...but can watch your show all day anyway. Love it. Been watching for years. Props to you and your years of putting out legit info.

[@durwoodrobison7800]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I had to do this on my 2003 RSX base today and your video made it much less nerve wracking. I noticed I had a CEL regarding the VTEC solenoid, and smelled oil under the hood, also noticing losing a significant amount. I was worried I had a major issue, came across this, traced the leak to the solenoid, and so far, so good. No more leaking!

[@eddominates]

Great Honda trick. part of the reason I got my honda so cheap was the owner was quoted $500+ to fix the "massive oil leak" ..$3.99 VTEC gasket, was back on the road within 15 mins, and holding oil. Also if your honda feels super slow and like its not 'cracking VTEC' itt's usually cause that screen on the gasket is clogged.

[@blakestone75]

Goaty McGoatface lol. My accord had that screen clogged. It wasn’t just “super slow”, it literally wouldn’t rev past 2.5k. ECU cut fuel at that point and set the CEL.

[@kevinrodriguez4385]

@@blakestone75 when u were driving ??

[@blakestone75]

Kevin Rodriguez I had just started up in the morning. Once I started taking off, the moment vtec would have engaged around 2.5k rpm it just cut fuel and wouldn’t allow me to rev any further. I stopped, shut the car off, restarted, and was fine from there on. But it would do this frequently in the mornings until I got the solenoid replaced. Or just the screen, I cannot remember.

[@gregunrau7031]

So with a 2011 Odyssey Honda doesnt sell the gasket separately. So you have to buy the whole freaking spool valve. And that replacement means you have to pull the valve cover AND the valve ???......$1500 later.....and the only reason I knew the spool valve was blown was because it ate my $900 alternator.......WTH?????

[@dan9809]

Is this screen that you speak of the same gasket that was replaced in this video? Or is this the screen filter on the front of the engine block on the left and is rectangular shaped?

[@k_escobar917]

I did my valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gaskets now all I need to do is this vtec solenoid gasket repair and i will have taken take of all my leaks on my 08 Accord 👌

[@pughconsulting]

I know it's an old video, but it helped me complete this job today. Other than not being able to see anything I was doing, it's a pretty easy job overall. I just followed along with what you did. Thanks for posting it.

[@labradormcgraw]

Two-and-a-half years away and it's great to see that ETCG is still as good as ever.

[@lindenbasket]

amen brother ‼ so true

[@jdigitalseven7]

Why are diagnosis/repair videos so relaxing?

[@mollypenderson2851]

Eric, you said stay dirty 3 years ago now my hands are dirty from no toilet paper! THANKS

[@marcoocone1781]

You are the best in doping mechanic repair and maintanance video I'm your follower from Italy almost 10 years

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@GgRae-gv1tg]

Eric, I just went through the same thing. It turned out to be the PCV valve which had clogged completely allowing excessive pressure to build internally. Really easy fix. The PCV is right past and above the alternator. 17mm and needle nose pliers. Love your channel.

[@LifeWithOG1]

Say whattt

[@GgRae-gv1tg]

@@LifeWithOG1 PCV VALVE symptoms are oil leaking and performance issues

[@LifeWithOG1]

@@GgRae-gv1tg my performance is great the leak is creating build up by the alternator. I notice motor oil leaking when i startup in the morning. I purchased a vt oil control gasket. I have a acura tsx 2012.

[@GgRae-gv1tg]

@@LifeWithOG1 Do the PCV $20. 10 min

[@jaym5938]

@@GgRae-gv1tg Yeah, not likely 10 min in 2nd Gen CRV. It's a PITA to get to the PCV valve.

[@spunkmire2664]

I have been able to fix my friend's honda after watching your videos. Thank you!

[@Jzzonem]

Makes me happy to see your son helping you like that. Thats nice. My son came out to work on the car with me the other day. All on his own.

[@KingHVLP1234]

My 09 Honda made it 240k miles before I noticed a little puddle of oil this morning. Leaking from this exact spot, thanks for the video! Should have it fixed by tomorrow with your help for 8$ and some time.

[@brandonstevens1832]

I come back to Eric's videos weekly.. I'm over the moon that he's approaching 2M subs but it should be 10M+ by now.

[@maxnguyen22]

Just did this few months ago. Watch out for the AC compressor clutch. I guess the magnet in them go out. Just made all the repairs on mine. Seems to be doing good now. Great video. Thx Eric 👍

[@Channel358a]

For what it's worth, there is a 2nd gasket on the opposite side of the block (front of vehicle behind the alternator/PS pump) which looks like just a cover has found to be just as bad at leaks and almost harder to find. I thought for sure I had a leak from my 05 CR-V at the timing cover but after a good cleaning and some oil dye I spotted that small cover leaking really bad!

[@rupsyou997]

draco751 this is interesting because I've had my 05 Cr-v with an oil leak for the last couple years but three different mechanics have replaced gasket cover and some other things but it's still leaking. Another said it could be the rear main seal but they'll need to do another days worth of work to confirm etc etc

[@Thekaelanfamil]

whats that gasket called on that side?

[@arturoortiz5999]

@@rupsyou997 did you ever get it fixed? Same issue here

[@finley614]

@@Thekaelanfamil Honda Part No.: 15845-RAA-A01 Filter Assy., VTC. this is the gasket he is talking about which has two 10mm bolts holding on a little plate which is behind power steering pump and belt tensioner

[@EXccord]

@@finley614 To add on to Finley.... 15845-RAA-A01 = VTC Filter Assembly (on the block right behind the tensioner pulley - remove brackets and stuff holding PS Pump and move to the right side as much as possible. Remove tensioner assembly and boom) 15815-RAA-A02 = VTEC Solenoid Gasket / Spool Valve Filter Screen (Back of the engine being held on by 3x 10mm bolts) 91319-PAA-A01 = O-Ring (13X1.5 which goes with the VTC Assembly on the back I believe)

[@Adreiaun]

Successfully completed this job on a 2010 Honda Accord. This video was the only resource I referenced. Thank you so much!

[@0MinorThreat0]

Everything I needed, nothing I didn't. Appreciate the walk thru. Heading to the garage now.

[@TMK131979]

Great as always Eric. There is nothing I hate in a car more than oil leaks (besides dead engine) and it is a serious pollution source that we can control.

[@kachunkachunk]

Oh man, I remember having an Accord of the same generation - K24Z3, with a TSB about sticking/problematic VTEC solenoids on cold starts. You get this awful rattling sound as it turns over. The first/home Honda dealer just denied the TSB being applicable for years, while trying all kinds of other things and wasting me time and money, stringing me along. After I moved cities, the next nearby Honda dealer/shop immediately addressed the bulletin (solving the cold-start rattle), updated firmware for the transmission, and did 3-4 other things that needed to be done. And all without charging a dime, despite being out-of-warranty by then. Anyway this video reminded me that I was also losing some oil, leading up to this fix-all shop visit. It's nice to still get occasional answers, years later.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Are you sure that was the VTEC solenoid? That sounds more like the issue with the similarly-named VTC solenoid, which is a different solenoid that runs the cam phasing.

[@kachunkachunk]

@@TassieLorenzo You could be right - it really sounds like it could have been the VTC solenoid - it was so long ago, though, and I don't have that work order sheet anymore.

[@brookvalliant7813]

That gasket had a screen in it's lower section I'm sure you've noticed. If the oil is ever left to become gross it clogs that screen and prevents the oil from reaching it's destination. There is another screen on the front of the engine kinda hidden. Those two screens stopping oil cause issues with camshaft timing. The system is hydraulic and depends on a supply of oil to operate.

[@BlueKhaos76]

I second that inspection mirror...it really helps when you can't see your path with certain fasteners on some motors. #SALUTE #XPOGUY #RESPECT

[@aserta]

Inspection mirrors, telescopic, and very, very good, dentist's mirrors. Essential tools when working in the engine bay during the troubleshoot process.

[@carolynekeeler]

Thank you for posting during this tough time - it helps us stay grounded AND learn better wrenching skills. Oil leaks are pesky to diagnose so your prep techniques are helpful!

[@psav1520]

I still think your repair videos are great. Thank you.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks!

[@cheesemons]

Nice.. not only dentist uses an inspection mirror! Stay safe Eric! you're my favorite KZbinr!

[@littlelizAnderson]

Honestly wanted to throw a fit until i watched your video. If youre not an auto teacher then you should be because you are awesome! Thank you so much

[@davidd8435]

Much respect for a blind repair, remember keep your eyes on that 10mm they tend to disappear.

[@ericthecarguy]

👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4ekZpx_mdGlmNU

[@EXccord]

10mm socket = the most prized possession

[@HarryESwan]

Great video... I had a huge leak on my 01 Civic from that solenoid, ended up changing that same gasket and the o-ring for the sensor (I guess is a oil pressure sensor)...Well guess what...The oil was leaking through the sensor it self🙄. Took me 2 tries to fix it.😎

[@jamesk.herder624]

Thank you Car Guy for a very comprehensive video. I love your mannerisms and instructions explaining dyi repair. I have a 2004 with the same symptoms, I believe this is the problem. Thanks again,

[@lolosilao]

From all the videos I have seen you’re the only one with a better way to do this Gracias

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric I always enjoy watching your videos I am from South Africa

[@brt-jn7kg]

You literally just answered all of my questions and fix the car thank you for posting this

[@nicholaspetre1]

Superb camera job! What a great video from a highly skilled mechanic!

[@vladimiromarianetti3391]

thank you bro, i have a crv 2002, looks very similiar really appreciated your video!!

[@DrumeRGray]

Definitely a helpful video. I suspect the VTEC solenoid gasket on my 2013 Civic Si is leaking because I found an oil leak coming from the back side of the engine last time I did an oil change.

[@drummer4hire]

passenger side oil leak is a big give away

[@cheat2kil]

I have same car and did this job myself, oh boy it does take lots of time. There is a small filter infront of the block near the tensioner which also leaks sometime. Might change the valve cover gasket while your at it.

[@zoneb609]

Lots of time? It's the most easy repairs you can do on a k24 engine

[@Cantworship2gods]

I love watching you fix cars you make it so interesting and of course easy

[@KVaughnG]

I have a 2009 accord and my car just started leaking from the same spot... THANK YOU for this video. Going to try and see if it works

[@sphinx1390]

Such a common leak on these k24s great video as usual.

[@luisg1653]

Nicely done. I'll be doing this before the month is over on my Element.

[@horsekid98367]

Perfect timing, I've been putting off this repair on our 02 Crv for way to long, hoping to do it this weekend.

[@LovePatience32]

Howd it go

[@jaredstrehlein5605]

I have 2003 Accord 2.4L and solenoid is very similar, and if not the same. They are a little bit of a pain to access. For the most part ETCG is right it is a easy reapir.

[@kantiusaify]

Eric, Great video !!! Checked my 2011 Honda Accord K24 (2.4L) for oil leaks around the spool solenoid and everything looking good. All the Thermal Shield bracket & Solenoid bolts exactly same. I am conscious to change engine oil with Mobil-1 Synthetic & very good oil filter at regular intervals (do it myself), again your teaching. I will use your teaching when it's time to replace the VTEC solenoid gasket. Keep up the good work !!!. Many, Many thanks.

[@pindiwal4717]

I've got the same car with K24 engine. What a pain in the rear it is. Oil consumption plus VTC actuator and now catalytic converter. I change oil and fluids religiously and currently at 175,000 miles. This was my 6th Honda but probably the last. I'm moving to Toyota.

[@aigoru8718]

9/10 times in many new(ish) cars: An hour to get to the part, ten minutes to do the repair.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Eric, I love your Honda and Acura Videos. I hope you do an entire channel or sub-channel of just Honda and Acura uploads.

[@kenlemmond673]

"You can see better than I can!". I'm gonna add that comment to the 2024 Eric's Understatement of the Year database! I think it has strong potential but hey. it is January while I'm watching it! I'm going to try this on a 06 CRV now that I've gained confidence from watching your video. First things first. Off to Harbor Freight for a mechanic's mirror and a pick set! I'm actually fighting a P2646 but there is also a sneaky little very slow oil leak somewhere around that area. I may kill two birds with one stone. Wish me luck and thanks for being you!!!

[@TheLegendaryFolklore]

Your accountant tried to go somewhere else?! BLASPHEMY!!!

[@TJC450]

IIRC he doesn’t do small jobs like this anymore. So that’s probably why she went elsewhere. I remember him saying that in a video not too long ago.

[@AshleySantana-fq3xs]

Excellent video and explanation. Thank you for all the great help, all these years. God blessed.

[@charlesmoore1386]

Thankyou! Eric , I've been trying to find this leak for some time, That leak has stain my driveway, God bless😇

[@yasmanibarajas7278]

Great video. I love watching your videos Eric, can't wait for the next one.

[@hugovasquez5535]

Great video Eric this was really helpful specially for someone like me that is taking the Honda PACT program.

[@longjonz88]

I gotta do this on my dad's 03 accord this weekend and this video will be very helpful! thanks

[@mikesara7032]

Awesome work, Thank you for making it simple and clear!

[@shahrambarikhan]

Thats some good confidence, I would have checked the leak after installing the four Solenoid bolts, by running the engine for some while.

[@brettsuydam7457]

Pretty sure I did this on a 2003 Accord 2.4 when I had it, but the solenoid looked different. It's been a while though so I could be wrong. Definitely cleaned up a big oil leak though.

[@juzeescobar5336]

Great videos you put out I enjoy them, I wish you had your shop close by so I can take my car to you because I haven't been using my car for months it's a bummer. 🙁

[@DanielRichards644]

I had this issue on my F22B1 in one of my 94 Accords, it was insane I was adding more then a quart of oil every week, driving like 50 miles a day

[@MichaelBlast]

Oh thank God Eric is working on my car with my same issue

[@mattfoley6082]

My 2003 Element VTEC quit and went into limp mode (RPMs limited to under 3000). Cause was low oil. Changed oil and filter and VTEC resumed intermittently for 50 miles then resumed normal operation. Lesson learned: stay on top of your oil level!

[@JPN850R]

I've done a similar work on my 04 TL. VTEC gasket, oil pump housing gasket (Honda paste) + O-ring + crank seal & oil pan gasket (oil pan was not leaking but to remove the oil pump it had to be removed). All rubber gaskets & rings were like pretzels and changed them all. I used 2 types of Honda paste gaskets; the tube type & the spray type called out for the oil pan per the dealer manual. That spray type is a bitch to use as it sputters. I also coated all rubber parts with Honda silicone grease ($50/tube) usually used for brake piston seals, as I didn't want the gasket to shift during installation. No more oil leak, not even a drip. All 3G TL users should know that it is a matter of time until these leak (J32A3 & J35A8).

[@ChrisWilson999]

Keep your accountant happy. She lucked out having you as a client.

[@treowayne]

I have an idea for some videos for you and other KZbin technicians during these strange sequestered times: A man-vs-torque wrench challenge. Three or more torque specifications are chosen, perhaps something like 80 in-lbs, 30 ft-lbs, and 60 ft-lbs. Each participant attempts to tighten a fastener to a torque specification, and then the actual torque applied to the fastener is measured by attempting to loosen it with a torque wrench dialed into progressively higher settings or by using one of those digital torque adapters that Project Farm and Gosforth Handyman use in their testing if the participant happens to have one. I would love to see a shootout between this Eric the Car Guy, Eric O from South Main Auto, Scanner Danner, Diagnose Dan, etc. The prize is just bragging rights. I think it would be really interesting to see how close or far an experienced hand can get to a given torque spec.

[@mattfoley6082]

Love this idea.

[@ivanchicken2909]

Hey Eric- Thanks for all your helpful videos. Have a bad leak from the VT screen on 06 CRV, and there is oil all over everything on that end of the engine. Is it possible this much mess can be from such a small spot? Or am i going to need to look further? Does oil ruin an alternator, and is using brake cleaner harmful to it if i use it to clean it up? The brake cleaner is doing a spectacular job cleaning the other surfaces. Thank you for time.

[@user-px6qo2jr8x]

Always enjoy your videos you describe everything perfect I'm about to do the same job on my 2005 Honda Accord. I'm going to change and clean out the screen filter connected to the engine right behind the pulley tensioner also you're right it was cuz of letting my oil go too long and real dirty so nice to see this video.

[@MS-hd8yq]

Anyone else yelling to tell Eric about the last piece of gasket stuck to the engine? 🤣 Like he can actually hear me

[@MS-hd8yq]

@JEJU S CLASS 600 me too 🙏

[@rchatto05]

I replaced that gasket about a week ago in my 2010 CR-V. Dealership wanted to replace the whole assembly for $430. There is no code for pressure valve or solenoid, just a leak. They do call it a spool valve. Wish I had this video before replacing. Thanks.

[@MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

The feel around with the finger trick to gauge where to put the socket hahaha I know that one too well

[@benmetzloff9124]

I'm experiencing the same issue with my 07'accord ty for this video it helped tremendously

[@millcitychris4303]

Are the same VTech solenoids for the element crv accord the same. I need to swap out my 06 CRV

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Eric👍 Accord's are always awesome, any model really great vehicles & reliable as well😉 Stay safe Bro❤

[@Mukeshmiktecrep]

Eric the favorite guy

[@kandaman304]

Great video! BTW, is the bracket/heat shield necessary to install back? In other words, can't you just reinstall the VTEC solenoid and electrical connections and be done? The heat shield/bracket is such a pain in the...to reinstall.

[@daviderhahon]

Eric had to become left-handed.😀 Nice video.

[@ua7pyro591]

I had a k20 that would not engage VTEC. Turns out that solenoid screen was clogged with metal shavings. Ran fine afterwards.

[@sinistersilverado965]

Why did it have metal shavings?

[@tiny_toilet]

@@sinistersilverado965 Right?! Maybe worry about that.

[@eddiereichel9354]

I bought NTK NGK replacement spool valve for 2 k24 engines. Both of them were machined wrong and OEM part is .009 deeper in gasket groove., I replaced the gasket on first one 3 times and coudlnt figure out why it kept leaking .The groove gasket goes in on the aftermarket part was not machined deep enough causing it to leak.

[@Coldgroove-S]

Hey awesome thanks mate, when I did this I swear my car gained power? When I used cruise control it use to rev really hard to keep the speed, last night I did a 200kms drive to test if it turns my light off, but on cruise control she bearly reved at all and keeped speed much closer too

[@Coldgroove-S]

And my check engine light turned off, and it feels like more power, feels like more responsive when I touch the pedal

[@Coldgroove-S]

Would that be from the oil pressure leak being sealed?

[@johnniecrain7986]

No oil drained out when you removed the assembly. Did you drain the oil pan?

[@rusty6666]

Nice quick and easy fix there for sure great video Eric not a very hard job to do Thanks....

[@yianniboulas9315]

Hey eric what's the difference between spool valve and vtec solenoid

[@ericthecarguy]

Nothing as far as I know. These same valves are used to control shifting on automatic transmissions.

[@briang896]

I did these a few months ago on my 05 Accord. Took me 3 times since after changing the gaskets found it still leaking. So I replaced the whole unit. Found the old unit had some cracks in it.

[@atlred]

Wouldn't it be a little easier if you remove the valve cover, or would you recommend that

[@agracer1000]

Ok, the parts diagrams online show two spool valves for 2009 Accord. 15811-R41-L01 is one Spool Valve and has gasket 15815-R41-A01. The other spool valve PN is 15811-R41-A01 and has gasket 15815-R40-A01??? The dealer wanted to replace the spool valve filter gasket, but then also said the spool valve was leaking and wanted to replace the entire spool valve??

[@gerardoguzman5083]

Eric, I keep getting a P2646 on a 2007 Honda Odyssey, VTEC actuator staying OFF. This is a good running high mileage car and would like to get your opinion> I have a feeling that the oil pressure switch on the actuator has failed or the solenoid itself may have failed. Can I get your 2 cents on it

[@theroyalone7588]

Do you have to use a torch wrench for this job

[@AcuraAddicted]

I wish it was that easy to get rid of my oil leak through the oil pump on the MDX, but that requires TB and oil pan removal, yikes!

[@MisbahuA]

Hello Eric. Great video by the way. I have a Honda Accord 2006 with 103k miles on it. I recently had a oil pump problem that led to changing the oil pump after which I started hearing some weird noise coming from the engine compartment and the car starts vibrating excreting awful smell from the exhaust and also the engine light on my dashboard starts blinking. My mechanic doesn't seem to understand the problem. Please what could be the cause of these? Thank you.

[@philpartin8618]

Well, that's the closest I've seen to "Fixing it forward " in years. I really miss that.

[@luisrodrigues945]

Quick question in your video the part number that’s attached to the link and what you show in the beginning of the video comes back as the filter assembly spool valve, is that the right part? I thought you said it was a v-text solenoid gasket? And if so what the part number for that?

[@tipapit]

Hi Eric. I did replace my VTEC gasket and still experiencing the same problem, oil leaks from there. How come according to your experience?

[@williamstewart851]

I have the same problem. Were you able to figure out a solution? The dealer says there is a internal gasket that can’t be replaced in the spool valve. Let me know what you came up with.

[@tipapit]

@@williamstewart851 , there is a ring gasket under the solenoid on the top of the spool valve. Change it and the leak should cut. You will only need a torx if I remember.

[@InSaNeNaChoz88]

I just took my 05 accord with the 2.4 i-vtec to the dealership for my airbag recall and noted in their check that my engine has an oil leak and said its my my vtec solenoid and want 400 dollars. Does this sound like some dealership trying to make money off my recall visit?

[@InSaNeNaChoz88]

And 3 years later my vtc solenoid is leaking again after I had it replaced

[@2174562267]

Hi Eric welcome back 🙏

[@grullon120]

thanks for the vid eric really appreciate your help blessed

[@HristovRumen]

this was actually a good etcg video.

[@dan9809]

What is the difference between a Spool Valve and Vtec Solenoid? 2004 Cr-V EX 2.4L has same looking part as the video but the parts store calls it the Spool Valve Assembly

[@CrAzY6tothe6]

Any people reading through comments. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Dont be dumb like me torque them down while the brackets are off 2. The mirror is super important to have as important as having a wrench (you can buy one with a light on it) 3. The top bracket has a nut welded on which the bottom bracket on the side goes on do the top first and then the bottom one (start with the bolt doesnt fasten onto the top bracket) 4. The top harness on the bracket is easy the sorta bottom one is hard you need a thin flat head cause you have to get it between the bracket and plastic and not where you see the crevice under the bracket. Then push away. 5. Take your time, buy those super cheap magnet wands trust my socket fell and got literally stuck between a crevice i wouldve had to lift the car to take it out. I found it with the mirror and used the magnet wand.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I only wish my mechanic was half as meticulous as you are.

[@yambo59]

Excellent - ! Eric you are, the Honda guru.