How to Fix Common Honda Oil Leaks

On this 2003 Honda Accor with the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine, the variable valve timing solenoid (VTEC Solenoid) and valve cover gaskets were leaking. Here's how to replace them!

[@AIRTRK1]

Probably one of the best "How To" videos I've seen on youtube. Clearly detailed and comprehensive without any background noise or interference. Others have music playing in the background or seem to be unsure of themselves when narrating. To the point and right on target. Thanks.

[@theniceneighbor]

Agreed. I think the key was no unnecessary detail in each step

[@neckutter1125]

So glad that he montioned that I didn't need to remove the filter. I was thinking that I missed a step!

[@carlosseminario2613]

This video has been one of the best I've seen in replacing both, the valve gasket and the solenoid. Since I'm going to replace both, I will also replace the coils and spark plugs in one shot.

[@joedelgado3025]

You just saved me so much time and aggravation by showing me the VTEC solenoid location and how to change it out. Thank you.

[@DSeN7]

This is a fantastic video. I’d offer two suggestions. 1. Don’t use that much RTV, less will be sufficient and you don’t want RTV getting in the head. 2. While you have the valve cover off, clean the inside well and more importantly, replace the spark plug tube seals.

[@tatialo37]

Great video! This friggin leak drives me nuts! I've done it like three times!!!

[@joseg5005]

This is a very descriptive video with excellent camera footage. I had a 2003 2.4 with about 400k mi., so after i changed those common oil leaks i gave the vehicle to a friend in more dire needs in central america, one of the best engines ever made. I loved driving this vehicle it was hard to let go.

[@Kiskassklan]

My wife has a 2003 also with just 180,000. I told her no need to buy another this one will last her many more years because she doesnt drive much. The steel coolant line just started leaking and I'm having it fixed.

[@1BRWNSKN]

@Howdy Doody Can you please tell me what the symptoms are of a "steel coolant line leak"? I just want to be able to recognize it if it were ever to occur to my 2007 H.A. Thank you.

[@Kiskassklan]

@@1BRWNSKN Ours was slowly leaking antifreeze.

[@bobgodfrey9524]

Short, sweet and to the point.....well done. Thank you!

[@damienr3086]

The title of your video and you mentioning the vtec solenoid helped me out. Thanks! I saved alot of $$$.

[@zandazanda2512]

This video is clear, precise, to the point and is very informative. Clear narration. The reminders such as do not over torque the bolts when reinstalling, and to place the silicone at those 4 points when replacing the cover and to secure the gasket within the grove are invaluable. Any disregarding of those points could be disastrous and can be easily over looked by the casual "Do it your self - er" GREAT VIDEO

[@fernandovillegas9080]

Man the silicone is just in those points or around the complete cover?

[@Pexman-hu7zw]

I have same year like yours... I spent valve cover gasket 35 buks, vtec solinoid gasket 10 buks, 10 buks strainer same time changing oil compared to 350 buks altogether including labor.. saves me a lot by diy so easy ...

[@Hippielettuce76]

Thank you for this video. I know it was posted like five years ago but just like TV shows in syndication if I haven’t seen it is new to me. Thank you so much.

[@MrNino44]

Awesome video ! Now I know what to expect when I take it to my mechanic . Thk you so much .

[@web5271]

Jeez this is a superb video. To the point. Well-edited. Perfect. Thank you.

[@greghanlon2235]

Good demo, tips and great camera angles.

[@gunks_getaway]

The BEST how to video on youtube EVER!

[@JohnBaker3000]

Fantastic tutorial. At 265,000 miles, my Accord is starting to have this leak. Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend! Thank-you!

[@hiebrantsify]

Does your honda accord burns oil? I heard its a major issue on them.

[@rosieclark3661]

@@hiebrantsifythe higher mileage early K-24’s yes

[@MC0386]

Great video as always, Thanks! This was very helpful

[@kasinathar1874]

Mate this is the best video of how to do something. Thanks.👍🏽

[@xxjuci3809xx]

Thank you so much for being very detailed on your work and also for taking the time to share the work with the community. Blessings 🙏✝️

[@arielban1]

Thank you Daniel. This gave me confidence to perform work myself

[@arielban1]

Christian Matta yes I did. With the right tools it was fairly simple. Took me 30min

[@arielban1]

Christian Matta yes I have four Honda accords. For my 2005, I recall I needed the car up as I worked it from top and bottom. I just used floor jack and put on stands

[@elmachete7465]

Best “How to” videos I seen.

[@darrenoneill8132]

Super helpful helped me find where the leak was coming from👍🏻

[@AcerArtsOfficial]

To replace the vtec solenoid you dont need to remove ANYTHING, just deep 10mm socket and reach around the back of the engine. Super easy, use your left hand inbetween the serpentine belt and engine to line yourself up onto the 3 bolts if you need to

[@miirobrightvisions]

I didn't do all this either. Just removed the 3 screws and cleaned and replaced the gasket. Not even the clips holding the wires in place did I have to remove.

[@Mexecho]

Lot times people replace valve cover gasket so might as well remove and do both making it easier to get to vtec

[@azaharimohamad746]

very simple english and clear voice easy to understand for non englishman. Clear video and very helpful. i confident to DIY coz in workshop sometimes long Q even this basic job. TQ

[@brianmulligan6239]

Good instructor ! Lot of info. Thanks!

[@johnlopez3001]

Don't forget to check the operation of the PCV Valve .

[@wo4689]

FYI when changing the spool gasket you also have 3 o rings on the top, one for the pressure sensor and two inside the solenoid. One on top and one at the base. Mine were leaking after I changed the main seal to the head.

[@Gevans5472]

Hardest part is getting the valve cover back into place. Disconnecting power steering hose at the pump allows the valve cover to drop easily back into place.

[@Esuper1]

Just use cord to pull hose out your way and tie it while your put the cover back on or have junior come out and help earn those cocoa puffs and learn something.. Removing the power steering hose can a be a mess and it has an o-ring you have to be careful with.

[@impersonalopinion]

@@Esuper1 That o-ring is what you replace when your power steering starts to whine every 100k miles

[@jth1987leb]

You call it an oil leak. In the salt belt we call it rust prevention

[@TheWallyjp]

lol

[@frmula1fan51]

Very helpful video. I attempted this job today. A lot of blood was shed. Nothing was as easy as it appeared in the video. I was unable to complete the vtec gasket change. One of the bolts rounded off and nothing I tried worked at getting it out. Then I lost one of the other two bolts! Smh. The job can be very risky. I almost dropped a socket down into the timing-chain cover. Having said that, cleaning the gasket surfaces can also lead to debris getting into the engine. I used brake cleaner to clean around the valve cover before removal. Once removed, I swept the debris away from the internals. Then used a scotch pad and brake cleaner to prep the gasket surface. The spark-plug grommets were brittle and difficult to remove. I had to pry them out with a screw driver.

[@mikecurtis1111]

This is why I'm kinda hesitant to undertake this project. I think I'll just pay a mechanic to do it.

[@myopicchiwawa]

Excellent video Daniel this made that solenoid detachment seem like a breeze! Much easier than Eric the Car guy. With the valve cover removed and all ignition coils off, would that be the perfect time to change all 4 spark plugs as well? With the cover gone the plugs should be easily visible. Great job!

[@HeZhenliangtintin186]

Would also recommend that you replace the spark tube gaskets when changing the valve cover gasket since you have it apart already.

[@ScreenPrintR]

I believe the Spark plug gaskets come with the Valve Cover Gasket replacement kit.

[@arnoldbaclig7709]

It should be replace to and they never clean the valve cover and v tech solenoid with brake cleaner... you think the customer is satisfied 🤔🤔🤔

[@Codystoned420]

He used transmission fluid

[@andreyv1]

would it be a good idea to replace spark plugs as well while the valve cover gasket is off?

[@oserratos]

@@andreyv1 no. If you need to replace do it afterwards. By removing the ignition coils it'll give access to the plugs.

[@kaibaumgartner7721]

My 97 LS400 with 286k still has the original FIPG gasket done at the factory....way better then a traditional gasket for durability and longevity. It's just now starting to get wet around the area but not leak.

[@kyuseung813]

Thank you for sharing the video. God Bless you.

[@1BRWNSKN]

Thank you. I have a 2007 H.A. and none of the brilliant mechanics I've gone to and spent money on have been able to figure this out 😑. Now I have to take them this video. If I had the drive and tools, I'd do this myself. I'm getting to the point that I am going to start fixing some of this myself 😒

[@devinsetaram4025]

Same here! They replaced the power steering hose ,and I still have oil leak😅

[@TKK951]

Very good video brother. Very Informative

[@HeZhenliangtintin186]

Love your videos!

[@map7463]

The undercarriage needs a wash. But if rust is a problem in that part of the country maybe that oil coating is a good thing.

[@jameshorton4857]

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing it!

[@tosi4racing740]

Thank you for this video. I got the oil to stop leaking

[@bmlaforge]

You saved me hundreds!

[@Usmanthemecano]

New subscriber here, so far so great

[@bertoj6912]

Thank you for this video awesome step by step now I can go fix my car much blessings buddy

[@rickvelazquez3487]

EXCELLENT DETAILED VIDEO.THANKS

[@eddyhsuutube]

Very valuable video!

[@vermasean]

Really good step by step video covering this maintenance 👨‍🔧! Obligatory Liked and Sub’d! 👍▶️

[@bronzechicken4437]

A tip I have for reinstalling the gasket is get some of the Indian Head Shellac you see used and apply it on the corners and center of the sides, it'll hold the gasket in place and is harmless to the gasket.

[@ELJORGE1]

BronzeChicken actually the service manual tells you to put sealer on the corners you are right

[@kennethsorg1]

Excellent video!

[@juanperales3351]

Wonderful and efficient video thanks for helping the community

[@gabrielsaravia6603]

I got the same exact car and it's leaking oil everywhere. It needs a new valve cover gasket for sure. I'm just waiting for my replacement to come in the mail tommarrow.

[@martinkoche4375]

Awesome your very kind and we appreciate your kindness great job

[@mkrp4]

4:32 I used a 65 mm long headless M6 screw as a guide in one of the holes to install the solenoid by feel; once its on the guide, thread in two bolts, next take out the guide and install remaining bolt.

[@charlievanwindt7145]

Very good! Well done.

[@thegroovebunker]

My 3 bots on solenoid are rusted and seized ,not sure i sprayed some stuff on it and gonna try again ,but looks like a mechanic job at this moment . I will do the cover gasket next spring.

[@hkhleif992]

thank you !!!! Great video. I have 289k miles on my car and runs great, but using too much oil ( i could not see the leak ?????). I think I am going to follow the video. Thank you again

[@neofoo]

How did it go? Did you solve the problem?

[@MikeyG003]

Your piston rings might be gummed up and stuck open causing the oil to go into combustion chamber and burn if you see no leaks.

[@scottchristian71]

Great video. To the point. Not a bunch of filler crap!

[@davidedmundson8402]

Great video. Very easy to follow with clear explanations and video. I, however, would have used a lot less sealant, as you only need to bridge a very small gap. But wondering if maybe your approach is better.

[@carlyleroberts3995]

Great Video, thanks!!!!

[@XBKLYN]

Great vid.....better than shop class.

[@ferher578]

Just Great video THANK FOR SHARING....

[@pfannkuchengesicht42]

had to replace the valve cover of my car a few weeks ago and damn was the old one hardned. It wasn't even slightly flexible anymore, it was like hard plastic. Getting the valve cover was also a real pita due to that as it all had backed onto the cylinder head.

[@PillCozbee]

Great camera angles.

[@elortiz7863]

Great video 👍

[@mikeseebeck5292]

Great video but why is the bet way to release the plastic wire clip on the side on the VTEC solenoid ?? thanks

[@pablomay28]

Great video. Did you replace the coil and nut gaskets? Those can also cause a leak into the spark plug well.

[@1jackvalley580]

Super good video, thank you much*

[@jessetoptechallen1461]

What about the O Ring seal on top of the v tec solenoid

[@Lessonswithsenseimatt]

You the Man Thank you 🙏

[@WildCat_90]

Hello there. PLEASE HELP!. We just changed for the new solenoid and it's still leaking. What should I do? THANKS

[@mejesse809]

Hi DJF, Is this true also for the 2009 Honda CRV? I have a small oil leak/drip coming off the bottom of the engine?

[@joebagofdoe4762]

GREAT VID!!!

[@LimitedShed]

My 04 Accord has 265,000 and still going strong......probably be doing this to mine over the weekend. but i bought it used and didn't get to enjoy all these trouble free miles.......lol

[@hiebrantsify]

Does your honda accord burns oil?

[@romeostarlite21]

Awesome video man. Can you list the tools i need for this fix?

[@bn8640]

I have a 2010 Honda Accord LX-P with a 2.4L 4cylinder. It started noticeably leaking oil yesterday. Oil looks to be pooling/dripping from the primary catalytic converter lower mounting tab. Do the gaskets repaired in this video tend to pool on the cat converter lower mounting tab? Any help here would be much appreciated.

[@MarioPerez-jw8ex]

Thank you for the video!!!!

[@kevinmetcalf6371]

Great Video

[@neronfrancis6508]

Great video

[@tonydrums84]

I want to ask, I have a Honda Civic 1.7cdti it has 217,000km of lubricating oil on the occasion where the turbine is located, and I find streaks on the ground, the car retreats, I do not lose compression, what can it be? everyone can say?

[@beboalicea1447]

I have an oil leak on my Honda Accord 2005 2.4 on my passenger side in the rear do you think the vtec can be the problem?

[@darasiemreap]

Hi Daniel Jaeger , your honda Accor just look like my honda Pilot 2003 leaking oil under all wet. now my pilot keep stall about mileage drive,I bring to Honda sevice they scan show oil temp failure.they did not tell me why the oil temp failure.please, give me any idea. thanks.

[@brooklyn7941]

Do u have to remove a bearing out the way or do u just take the whole valve cover off ? Because if I do that the valve cover won’t be good

[@edwardg9222]

What is the wire with the rubber covering called, right below the Vtech solenoid?

[@ScreenPrintR]

Found the video helpful but couldn’t get the Solenoid bolts off. Seem to be frozen. I sprayed PB Blaster but couldn’t see where I was spraying

[@bwc1976]

Yikes, I'm glad my Accord is a 2001 and not an 03... That 2.4 looks like they made it a lot harder to get at various things compared to my 2.3.

[@Ruben901]

The way I got to my vtec solenoid off was taking the passenger wheel off and getting a small ratchet.

[@kanenscott8883]

So you didn't need to take the valve cover off?

[@danielnguyen9297]

how come u can take out and in the solenoid so quick and simple???

[@isaackennedy2440]

I’ve been told to fix the gaskets in the oil filter adapter housing unit. However I have not been able to find a video tutorial for one on a 2003 Honda accord. I saw a lot on other Honda accords that are different years and modles though. Do you have any videos or know of anyone who might have one who shows where the oil filter adapter housing unit is on a Honda Accord 2003

[@GevXander]

Solid video

[@Carlitosway211]

Nice job. Apply RTV right on some oil. That helps with the curing process real nice! Don't worry about cleaning off the old RTV from the corners. Just apply new stuff and run it. #quality

[@mikecurtis1111]

Always gotta be someone with a smart-ass sarcastic response. Maybe link your video to show everyone how much better your technique is.

[@alextorres6629]

great video

[@alanarmstrong2323]

Isn't there an oring in the middle of the head that supplies oil to vtect that needs to be changed as well ?

[@seankhoyle3168]

What electric impact drill do you have?

[@lukebornemann9556]

When that vtec kick in yo.

[@cayrick]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@paquesepas6696]

Is the oil pressure sensor attracted to this solenoid or what if that's leaking where's the o ring?

[@GuynelSaintVal]

where does this part located on the accord sport(2013/2017) earthdream engine?

[@jc23jc65]

very helpful video, do you have one for replacing the oil pressure sensor

[@geobrad2645]

Actually. Once you have that vtech out the sensor is on top. You will need a deep socket in the 22mm range some could be a bit bigger or smaller if it oem or not.

[@pjwill1077]

Can I remove the vtec solenoid from up top and not the bottom of the car? If so, how?

[@Reaction_60]

Will this advice help with a 2000 Accord with a 2.3?