Replace vtec solenoid gaskets on Honda V6

[@InevitableWhiteMan]

Thanks, brother man - I'm ordering the gaskets and will refer to your video when replacing them. As a side note, since we are talking 3.5 VTEC, regarding the aluminum plenum chamber: My 2010 Crosstour was throwing codes (the usual P10... whatever that calls out the pre-cat converter O2 Sensor on Bank 1). The issue was NOT the O2/Air Sensor. The bottom line is I had a vacuum leak shown by a small variation in RPM, and STFT that was sky-high at idle, but would almost settle down at higher RPMs ). After not finding a leak in any hoses or inlet ducting I started guessing and changed the PVC, EGR, and gas cap looking for the vacuum leak. I finally stumbled on the cause: The seal on the two halves (upper and lower) of the plenum failed, and I had cracks around the bolts connecting the halves allowing unmetered air into the system (a vacuum leak). The Honda mechanic says it's a common issue - but I haven't seen a video addressing it. I was quoted $700 to replace it, but Honda doesn't have any available (anywhere), and if I go to the junkyard, I'd probably see cracked ones. He recommended I seal the seams and cracks with silicone caulk. And it worked. I can't recommend silicone caulk as it can catch fire, but I had some available and didn't want to spend more money on my 15-year-old car. If this brings your viewers to an "Ah Ha!" moment, maybe you can discuss the issue in a future video. Thanks again.

[@lmsdiy]

Interesting info! A really consistently high. STFT at idle is a good sign that something (vacuum leak) is wrong. What kind of silicon sealant did you use? And I can appreciate not wanting to spend much on the repair. I understand some RTV sealant is silicon but resists temps up to 650 degrees and is non-flammable (except at potentially really high temps). Is that what you used? Great info to share out, btw! 👍

[@rawlr9066]

thank you brother, much appreciated. I bought the entire spool valve unit and paid a mechanic to replace it because the replacement gaskets I got seemed a bit shady. now a couple years later, I'm told that it's leaking again! I will just go this route and replace it myself. I also had to replace the alternator before and certainly don't want to have do that again!

[@lmsdiy]

My pleasure. Try to get the Honda OEM gaskets from eBay. Good luck!

[@dfields9511]

gr8 vid, I just checked my honda odyssey and yep its leaking j35a7 engine. the other gasket that is prone leaks is the oil filter housing gasket.

[@lmsdiy]

I have another oil leak in our Honda Pilot that I need to troubleshoot next… 😁

[@dfields9511]

gr8 vid I would of covered up the dipstick tube just incase something happen to fall into it.

[@lmsdiy]

Good suggestion!

[@2yrec4playz32]

Have you had any issues ?

[@lmsdiy]

So far so good!! 🤞

[@julianmfong]

Have you change the one on the back too? Similar gasket?

[@lmsdiy]

There is no vtec spool valve or gasket for the rear on this engine model. It is only in the front but some other engines have the vtec spool at the rear of the engine instead of the front.

[@lmsdiy]

What year/model is your car and which engine?

[@Njlout4]

what’s parts did u need to buy to replace , i’m not so sure

[@lmsdiy]

There are 2 rubber gaskets and I showed the part numbers in the video when I was comparing old vs new gaskets.