Honda Odyssey Front VTEC Solenoid Leak Fix DIY

[@bnsdesign]

Everyone with a pre 2017 Odyssey (4th generation and below) should buy and install a VCM delete kit. It is super easy and you can read all about it on the Honda Odyssey forums. I bought mine from VCMTuner, takes 5 minutes to install. This solenoid leak is a reoccurring problem on all Hondas with VCM. When VCM engages it pressurizes oil through this solenoid housing which eventually leaks and ruins your alternator. I finally bought the VCM delete kit after having 2 alternators replaced because of this dumb VCM which does almost nothing anyway. Alternator replacement is very expensive! VCM delete is totally unnoticeable and you will never see the VCM light on your dash again. Also, is does not trigger a check engine light. Love my Honda, hate VCM!

[@freshwickvape6888]

Where did you get the VCM delete kit?

[@bnsdesign]

@@freshwickvape6888 There are a few companies but I liked the simplicity of the one from VCMTUINER. I have no affiliation with them, just a happy customer who is sick of problems associated with Honda's VCM.

[@slare206]

2017 is also included in that. 2018 is when they came out with the new body style. I have a 2017 that I bought new and a couple years ago installed a VCM delete and it only took a couple minutes

[@rsanchez9227]

Im on my 2nd alternator 😑

[@brianmccord577]

Did you also replace your leaking Spool valve, or did the VCM delete stop the existing oil leak?

[@andrewownby5915]

Careful spraying directly on the block, risk contaminating the oil. Recommend spraying it on a rag then wiping :)

[@Carlitosway211]

Lol! Negligible

[@LibsareTRASH]

Lil brake clean ain't gonna do shyt to nothing

[@325-k9k]

The chemicals in brake cleaner react to engine oil look it up you shouldnt even use it to clean engine parts at all​@@LibsareTRASH

[@AmpereNA]

you're the one watching the video on how to fix it lmao

[@andrewownby5915]

@@AmpereNAgood point. Have at it.

[@trinhnguyen1887]

I like this video because it showed you didn't have to remove a bunch of items. Other videos told you to remove the wiring harness for ignition coils, and some bracket. In my case, I also removed the small hose to have better access to the top bolt. I put in the 2 aftermarket gaskets ( Amazon) and re-used the OEM mesh since I read that the aftermarket mesh caused CEL. I didn't have a torque wrench so I just snugged up the 3 bolts. After a test drive, there was leak so I snugged the 3 bolts some more. After the 2nd test drive, I didn't see any more leak and also no CEL. Time will tell if the aftermakret gaskets will spring a leak or cause the CEL.

[@bjones1042]

What's the report?

[@WVRetreat]

I was able to see the part numbers in the video if anyone is interested, they are: HONDA part 15845-R70-A01 - goes on top, without screen HONDA part 15815-R70-A01 - goes on bottom, with screen

[@dopeyduck8352]

Awesome! I'm about to do this after replacing the alternator and valve cover gaskets one already and need another alternator already

[@wurlitzer60]

My understanding is that alot of stuff on Ebay sold as "OEM" actually is not. Honda claims they do not sell just the gaskets alone. Hope this isn't the case.

[@JohnBoyDeere]

Great video that works! Just replaced my brittle seals with factory replacements and walla, no more leaks! I would highly recommend using aerosol carb cleaner verses brake cleaner though... 2011 Honda Odyssey by-the-way!

[@ridethelightning9]

So you're saying carb cleaner is safer than brake clean?

[@ras4782]

I figured they worked the same ​@@ridethelightning9

[@adrianramirez8955]

You should make more videos on fixing staff I like the way you explain And appreciate that you go to the point And no bla bla bla Thanks

[@ryanschreck]

Thanks for the video! For anyone out there with a 2014 odyssey, it’s pretty much the same process. I ordered the Mahle lower gasket from rockauto before I realized that both should be replaced. I ended up getting the Dorman set from Napa. The Mahle is definitely thicker and closer to OEM, but the Dorman have a lifetime warranty. I put the Dorman in and so far no leaks or codes, but I’ve only driven it once since replacement. If they end up not working, I’ll put in a new pair and get one of the vcm delete options recommended online. If that still doesn’t work, then I think I’ll just get the whole solenoid set from the dealer. I do not want to burn through any more alternators because of this dumb thing!

[@4Runner21]

Update?

[@ryanschreck]

@@4Runner21the Dorman is still working just fine!

[@hannibalbarca198]

Can you link the part? Thanks dude

[@kananiakui-ramos4779]

did you put any type of bond or seal on the new gaskets? only one video I've seen did it..attempting this tonight

[@ryanschreck]

@@kananiakui-ramos4779no, just make sure everything is nice and clean so the gasket gets a good seal. My gaskets are still working, so I guess the Dorman set was a good purchase :)

[@agstros]

Just did this myself. Reminder for next time if I do this again. 1) Part was $23 from O'Reilly with lifetime warranty. 2) Buy brake cleaner $8 3) Use plastic bag to cover alternator 4) Original metal plate seems stronger than Dorman part. 5) Tightened to 7 ft/bs. 6) Took about 30-40 min.

[@craigwiess1656]

This is for 2008 to 2010 , 05 to 07 assembly is on the rear head, drivers side. Update there is also a difference between trim models LX and Ex use the J35A6 EX-L and Touring use J35A7.

[@erikavila1726]

How many solenoid are in a 05 Odyssey I have code 2646 mechanic told me wanted to see which one it was but I'm sure it only one right code reads arm actuator stuck bank 1

[@johnhogan3534]

Good video as the spool valve does come out quite easily just by removing the 3 bolts and some wiggling on my 2008 Honda Odyssey. I used Amazon gaskets but used the original mesh cage. No check engine light and no oil leaks now. But alternator appears to be kaput due to the original oil leak.

[@drewtabares9924]

Still no leaks? Mine is lake atm an was wondering if i need the whole assembly

[@justinyelverton]

I’ve replaced two alternators due to the same leak. I know how you feel. And they’re not a fun fix.

[@EDAVISJR]

@@justinyelverton BRO!! Me and my Pops changed my alternator the first time, fixed this problem watching this video and today I bs u not my shit went out AGAIN man! Changing it again in the am but like u said no fun 😅

[@justinyelverton]

@@EDAVISJR luckily they keep extending my warranty on the new alternators when I go swap them out. Lol. Two replaced in four months. From what I’ve been told, even a small amount of oil leaking into the coils of the alternator can ruin it. Even if you clean it, it’s still running on borrowed time because of that amount that got in it.

[@crazyjpeters]

FYI Honda does not produce these gaskets. Any of these gaskets you find are knock offs. Honda will only sell you a new solenoid assembly. That’s all. Thanks Honda!

[@2quicktrap]

🙏🏾 life saver… dealer wouldn’t sell it to me…. Ordered from EBay like you mentioned

[@LamoidZombieDog]

Its fake lol. Dealer won't sell it because honda doesnt sell it, you have to buy the whole solenoid. all ebay ones are fake replicas.

[@enlightenme6151]

​@@LamoidZombieDogYou under every comment.

[@LiveYourBestLife33]

Do the aftermarket ones work?

[@bjones1042]

​@@LamoidZombieDogWhat's funny?

[@bjones1042]

​@@LiveYourBestLife33YES! Speaking from experience

[@Joel19831013]

Nice and clear video 📹 . 😊 I changed mines I didn't know it had that plate until I saw your video 😅

[@TB-lv2rh]

Thx for the video as you were correct this is not a difficult fix. However, BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP THE THIN METAL PLATE BETWEEN THE 2 GASKETS! I had to pry the metal plate with a thin flat head screwdriver & the thing went flying "somewhere" and I never found it. So, my $10 fix turned into a $247 fix when I had to buy the kit from Honda. (local dealer cut me a break on the cost) One thing to mention if you buy the VTEC spool / solenoid from Honda: They include the bottom block / portion of the solenoid that is attached by removal of the valve cover gaskets. If you remove the 3 screws on the top of the solenoid, you will have access to the gaskets & metal plate. That threw me off for quite some time as I'm NOT a mechanic who knows better. Regardless, even by watching this video & following along, you can save yourself a LOT of labor cost by doing it yourself & should take less than 1 hours to complete. Just don't be a "dummy" like me & BE CAREFUL REMOVING THE THIN METAL PLATE BETWEEN THE GASKETS!!! One last note: SAVE THE SCREEN ON THE ORIGINAL GASKET & transfer it over to the replacement gasket if you bought the aftermarket version. I hear the aftermarket screens will cause flow issues that will trip a check engine code as the screen is not quite to exact Honda spec.

[@menjicar]

Thanks for the tip!

[@n9wox]

You can buy the spool valve without the bottom block, part# 15810-R70-A04

[@ryanschreck]

FYI, if this happens to anyone else, the Dorman gasket set comes with a metal plate. Though the Dorman gaskets don’t look quite as robust as the OEM gaskets.

[@john-carlosynostroza]

​@@ryanschreckthank you and could you possibly post the part numbers for this as we are abroad with our van and need to do this, would be super helpful! Thank you!

[@ryanschreck]

⁠@@john-carlosynostrozathe Mahle lower gasket is B33566. The Dorman set (which is still working fine) is 918056GS

[@Nicedesk]

Probably a good idea to do an oil change since you now have brake cleaner inside you engine.

[@LiljamezZz]

I was like, "Eh you're probably right but the guy probably wasn't thar crazy", and then I watch the video as he soaks the engine with brake cleaner 😂

[@ChrisD-kl3ty]

Appreciate the video. Saved me some time. Now looking for suitable gaskets.

[@alexrojas1012]

Which gasket did you end up using ? Like OEM?

[@bradbartek4875]

Good video, however I did the same thing with OEM honda gaskets from ebay, and still leaks. Removed and reinstalled with rtv on top gasket. It slowed down leak but now check engine light is on and still has leak. next option I suppose is another set of seals or new solenoid which I don't want to do. Any suggestions? Update! New set of gaskets stopped leaking but still getting vvt code. Replaced solenoid and no leaks and no codes so far.

[@changtcg]

Watch out!! Those OEM Honda gaskets on ebay are not even Genuine Honda parts. They are Chinese knock off with the Honda stickers on the bag. I bought a set, and meanwhile the stickers said "Genuine Honda parts made in Japan", the small envelope that these bag came in says "made in china". After installing those gasket, I got a Check Engine light now with a rough engine idle. It did stop the leak, but with the cheap plastic or the filter mesh, it didn't create enough pressure. I'm in trouble right now as the only solution is a 250+ real OEM unit from a Honda Dealership site.

[@Raymond50001]

I had this problem 2012 odyssey. If that part fails. Honda sells you the whole unit. They dont sell oem gaskets, the part is not intended to be taken apart according to honda. There is no buy the top part only with new gaskets. Those are aftermarket. You have to replace the whole unit which is what i did $220. You can try this and save money but the real fix is switching out the whole part.

[@lifespirit8294]

Easy to follow, well demonstrated 👍

[@alexnderjb]

good video but these are not honda gaskets, honda does not sell the gaskets separately and only the vtec solenoid actuator, you can buy the gaskets online but you may get a check engine light thrown and the vehicle will idle a bit rougher then normal, they are expensive but i recommend installing the selenoid itself from honda or buying a aftermarket actuator. great detailed video

[@menjicar]

Yea you right. But so far no issues luckily

[@Hardy_boy1]

Im doing this today on my wifes Odyssey. Thanks!

[@Hardy_boy1]

Yes it did. It's been fine for a month so far

[@bjones1042]

​@@Hardy_boy1I just did mine earlier today so far so good!

[@changtcg]

Yeah my Sh]t was leaking like a b-tc-. The oil leaked into the Alternator which collected whole bunch of sludges/dirt over time. I was driving the other day some 60 miles from home and my Alternator went out. The guys at the dealership wouldn't replace the Alternator unless I get this fix. They quoted over $4200 for the whole job including replacing the valve gasket and timing belt. They will not work on my car unless I get these replaced also.

[@bnsdesign]

Buy a VCM delete kit!

[@retrorolando]

What if the block with 2 bolts below it are leaking?

[@su3pham]

Thank you very much for your video. My problem fixed.

[@anthonymiles6602]

THANK YOU FROM VIRGINIA!!!

[@luiscoronac7545]

Grasias por tus video Esta semana boy a arreglar mi carro yo mismo 🙌🏻

[@Eman1900O]

How do you not mention the year? Thst matters a lot

[@brucem6442]

Amen

[@10bbremer]

Honda does not sell just the seals. Those are fake.

[@deasttn]

While this is true, Honda doesn't make any of that stuff. They outsource things like that to other factories, anyway

[@jasonblount4137]

Could be a quick fix but Honda doesn't sell these gaskets separately. I ordered from ebay that said Honda genuine part but still got the check engine light. Was worth a try but didnt work. Only the whole assembly is sold by honda

[@menjicar]

It’s been almost a year and still no leaks or check engine light

[@jasonblount4137]

@@menjicar nice I wish mine happened that way. Would have saved alot of time and $

[@ChrisD-kl3ty]

Just ran into this as well. Tried some cheap no name ones. They leak bad. Put the old oem ones back in. They leak but not as fast. Looking for a solution other than the whole assembly for $250+....

[@changtcg]

Those OEM Honda gasket on ebay/amazon are some fake Chinese knock off with a fake "Genuine Honda made in Japan stickers" slapped on the bag. They are now the real deal. I bought a set, and even though it doesn't leak, it gave me a check engine light. Now my engine runs rough with a P34** code cylinder deactivation problem.

[@bjones1042]

​@@changtcgYou probably should've taken the screen from the OEM gasket and used it in the new one.

[@AyCasti]

If I buy a brand new oem front spool valve assembly can I take it apart and use the seals/gasket that come on the new one to avoid having to take the lower rocker arm piece out?

[@sebastianrangel156]

Just changed mine yest, check engine light came up the next day. Should I redo it?

[@menjicar]

Yea something is not right. Never has check engine light on

[@bjones1042]

Did you change the screen in the gasket ?

[@deasttn]

Folks say that you should swap the old metal mesh from the oem gasket into the new gasket

[@ras4782]

I hear honda doesn't sell the gaskets .. I purchased the whole part but only uning the top half..

[@RafaelAcevedo-in2ev]

On the old gasket was it smoking while you was driving cause mines is cause the oil that is leaking out from there

[@MrGizmoto]

it's ok to spray brake cleaner directly into the bottom half of the vtec solenoid assembly?

[@menjicar]

Yes brake cleaner evaporates pretty quick especially if engine is hot.

[@LamoidZombieDog]

No, Probably not.

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@@menjicar No its not safe lol. you should also not be doing this with a hot engine or spraying on a hot engine, you can start a fire.

[@RUBENBUS1390]

LAST QUESTION WHAT YEAR IS YOUR ODYSSEY

[@craigwiess1656]

From the grille design 2008 to 2010

[@yojharihernandez2059]

I will try to do that soon bro, because my oddy is leaking a lot of oil from that place

[@menjicar]

Common issue unfortunately

[@RenBobbins]

Honda doesn’t actually make just the gaskets to sell by themselves. How did you guarantee these were genuine OEM?

[@wesleylee8842]

will this be the same on Odyssey 2016?

[@AntonAtan]

What I've read is that those gaskets are not really Honda OEM but fake. All they do is print out stickers with honda on them. You are not able to buy just the gaskets at the dealer bc they don't make them.

[@menjicar]

Yeah I have heard that too. But it has been working for a while. Still no leaks

[@frankiero2367]

Yeah I confirmed with (several) Honda Dealerships and (official Honda parts retailers) and those sold on eBay are 3rd party/fake products in which they print the Honda sticker and make up a part number. None of the dealerships I called could even pull up the part number listed on those eBay items. I also reached out to some of those sellers on eBay selling the gaskets with Honda packaging, asked them if the gaskets were "official OEM Honda gaskets?". Most often my message would go un-replied or when I did hear back they would reply back in broken english "Fits Honda". Just look at where those eBay Honda wannabe gaskets are coming from- China. That alone is a dead giveaway. Best to pay for the higher price for the official (control valve unit/ part) than to end up redoing the work a few months down the line and possibly creating a bigger expense.

[@albertdejesus7611]

How’s your fix? Is it holding up?

[@menjicar]

Still holding. I have heard you can put some oil resistant silicone too to help even more

[@albertdejesus7611]

@@menjicar thanks 😎

[@wakawu]

Honda parts said that part number doesn't exist. They only sell this as a whole solenoid replacement. You bought the fake gaskets with a fake Honda sticker. This is a crazy problem with these vans. Kills the alternator every time they leak. Smh Honda

[@LiveYourBestLife33]

Any check engine codes after?..Honda don't make these gaskets at all...if you find any they're aftermarket just want to know if they work without adding engine code

[@bjones1042]

I did mine, but used the OEM mesh screen. So far so good, no lights or codes and the leak seems to have stopped.

[@davidusa7733]

I would not spray any chemicals on the exposed end of the head where oil circulates. Just wipe with a rag. As other commenters already mentioned, Honda does not sell those gaskets. Honda only sells the complete assembly for around $220. So your gaskets are FAKE. I just did this job on my 2010 Odyssey with Amazon gaskets and there are no leaks. Please use a torque wrench and snug to 6 lb-ft.

[@cdotson0027]

Even with honda oem spool valve the whole part and gaskets from honda it still dribbles and leaks. I cant seem to get it right any suggestions? Its just barely a dribble.

[@brinafees]

I’m having the same issue with my 2014 Honda odyssey, and I took mine to the shop. It’s a very small dribble

[@cdotson0027]

@brinafees yea I don't know what do do other than try honda bond but I did that once already and still the dribble. So I'm at a loss gonna try to take it off and do it again today.

[@brinafees]

I did the same that’s why I took it to the shop- I just don’t want my alternator to fail again it’s been 2 so far- it 95k miles and this is the only problem this Odyssey have

[@brinafees]

@@cdotson0027-good luck

[@brinafees]

@@cdotson0027I just wanted to find out if you had a solution to the leaks your van is having - I found out that it leaks from a cold start up

[@sistercalhoun4444]

Hey what year is that Honda Odyssey?... My cousin has a 2015 or 2017 Honda Odyssey alternator that keeps going bad for no reason.... Something's making an alternator drain.... What's the link where you bought it?

[@anthonycartwright2460]

Why did you fail to provide the Gasket numbers?

[@andresabrajan7469]

What year is it?

[@sidowsidow]

i just did it ... awsom video thanks

[@gunmetlx7917]

Sry what year (or generation) was this Odyssey?

[@RUBENBUS1390]

WHERE DID YOU BUY THE GASKETS ?

[@menjicar]

eBay

[@NobodyLikesyou.]

Do you use Honda bond

[@cgoldy45]

What year is the honda odyssey

[@tdz69]

He’s not answering for some reason. You should not me making these videos if you candy mention something as critical As the year of the car you’re illustrating the repair on. SMH

[@sione43]

It’s 2008 honda odyssey

[@billincolumbia]

@@tdz69 Only ~3 years even have that solenoid there.

[@purposeandrepurpose8653]

@@billincolumbia2008-10

[@jackburgess357]

Fantastic video short sweet, not overly wordy. I loved it

[@johnschmid2316]

Any issues since ?

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

Where did you find those part numbers? (I was having a really hard time finding them!).

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

And still can't find the parts . . .

[@williamcapps3508]

...can you give the torque on the 3 bolts?....thanks.

[@menjicar]

5:16 in the video

[@JOP518]

What year is this Ody?

[@sione43]

2008 Honda odyssey

[@TheOsopanda]

What name are the gaskets under? What are they called.

[@surpentsir1012]

Vvti gasket

[@NickyD626]

Dammit I wish I found this video last year 🤦‍♂️ watched a different video saying you have to take off the intake manifold and a whole bunch of other shit to do it… ended up paying $500 to have it fixed cause it was freezing out in January and I couldn’t do it outside

[@jeanpaulkapongodealmeidatr6263]

What's the code to remove that part????? Code????

[@ras4782]

Man this just made my alternator go out.. i was thinking dip stick and then someone was saying head gasket .. im like no because its no coolant and oil not moxing

[@mikekelly09]

Will this cause a leak of oil all the way down that side of the motor? Mine is all the way to the oil pan? Anything will help. I want to do this my self soon.

[@menjicar]

Yes it’s possible because when driving air will push the oil back and all over the place

[@joseantoniorivero4651]

Thanks so much

[@menjicar]

You're welcome!

[@RUBENBUS1390]

WHAT EBAY SELLER PLEASE AND THANKS

[@menjicar]

Its Called…. Hapi_Parts

[@NobodyLikesyou.]

My j35y2 is leaking in the front

[@Davidh741]

No such thing as oem Honda gaskets those are chines Amazon with Honda logo Honda I not self full valve not just gaskets if only replacing gaskets use Mahle gaskets good luck finding them and use original Honda metal screen from your old gasket on your new gasket or you will get codes if not today then month down the road and will always leak if not oem

[@travispeoples]

Thank you

[@Tarek3162001]

Way Too Much Brake cleaner, I Would Change The Oil After Finishing With That Gasket.

[@LamoidZombieDog]

By the way those are Fake gaskets lol Honda does not sell only the gaskets, you have to buy the entire solenoid.

[@menjicar]

I heard about that but they have been working great for almost a year now

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@@menjicar didn't work for me, I had to return it and buy the whole Dorman solenoid for $80, worked perfect.

[@menjicar]

@@LamoidZombieDog I heard the Dorman timing components aren’t the best either. But if it works it works good 👍

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@@menjicar VVT Solenoid is not a part of the timing system. It's unlikely that the little solenoid will fail completely anyways, it's the gasket that usually goes. The one I took off my car looked to be Honda OEM, it might have been the 2012 original with almost 183k miles on it.

[@armelbalmediano2146]

What number gaskets are

[@n9wox]

0:35

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

Bro ur gonna laugh I snapped one of the lil bolts. 2 different race mechanic said it would take 3hours to take it out did it in 10 try price me 500 hundred dollars

[@grunherzjg-5443]

❤

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

Those are fake Honda parts . . . Those part numbers are fictitious, and do not exist on the official Honda parts website.

[@nycnewyork1321]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Matthew-ip6xl]

So funny, this guy harping on getting oem ones when in fact they don’t make oem ones. Honda just sells the whole assembly. In fact, what he has right there are eBay specials with fake ass Honda stickers that don’t correspond to a legit Honda part.

[@brybo86]

Those are CHONDA gaskets! Fake!