01-05 Honda Civic Common Oil Leak 

Thanks for the info. Hopefully it’ll help some people out!

Did the same exact method👍

Felt bro did u ever figure it out v

@@erikdickerson929 idk if you still have a leak but changing all of the VTEC solenoids gaskets fixed mine

bernincoal1 thank you!

Luis Palomino De Nada

He was supposed to use that in the beginning, or should have used wobble socket for better chance.

Wobble didn’t fit it was too bulky and I didn’t think of using a crows foot. That might work

De nada!

If it has vtec check the vtec Gaskets. Very easy fix, anyone can do it in 5 minutes after watching a video. And this is the most common leak for all Hondas.

@@FroztiProductions If the gasket is inside the vtec solenoid, that's not it, it stopped leaking when I replaced the entire solenoid. Hopefully my wheel bearing issue is 1/2 as difficult.

@@theequeenbeast2746 there's 2 for vtec. There's the horizontal one for the solenoid and the vertical one that presses against the head.

@@FroztiProductions Hhmmm, that's interesting, if it has the same shaped gasket maybe he replaced the horizontal one because I (with help from my landlord) replaced the entire vertical vtec solenoid.

Nice! I need some smaller sockets. I don’t have much 1/4 drive tools. I need to boost up my collection. Thanks for the comment!

@@Dubya what else seemed helpful was, I used a long extension, but it had the wobble end, so that acted like a swivel and gave me just enough to bust it loose. A spritz of some good ol' PB beforehand as well makes life easier. I have been using harbor freight more and more for small tools. They are inexpensive and have decent warranty.

​@@lifes_calling6981 I tried something similar but without some PB beforehand and actually snapped the wobble end of one of my HF extensions they were cool about replacing the set though, and I went with a 3/8 this time which barely fit but got the job done

@@BoboBublz ouch. Good thing the extension broke and not the stud ;)

@@Dubya if you own a Honda they are good to have

De Nada

I know i wanted to change that gasket anyway. Made the job alot easier too. Thanks

I did the same thing

Same 😭😭😭

Yup me too

Haha I know. I beat myself up for that every time I watch it

The EGR valve?

I have a 2001 Civic as well with this leak. There is no EGR blocking the cam plug. This video and another had me confused. Amazon also says the cam plug recommended here won't fit.

@@stephenshahan3501 Maybe it's emissions dependant. I just got an OE one from my local Honda dealer (who is AWESOME!) They are really cheap to buy. Super simple to install.

I know I wanted to change that gasket too and it makes it a lot easier. Both places are common oil leaks.

Dubya most definitely, those engines leak oil from every seal down to the oil pump housing. Not to mention the head gasket issues. In my opinion, the worst engine Honda has ever had. Removing the EGR is the right way to do it though, it’s if you’re experienced with it, you tend to find short cuts.

It was a pain to get loose. I think if I had a 1/4” set at the time with a swivel I would of been fine.

@@Dubya I feel the same way but I'm not sure it would have seated properly even with a proper sized swivel. The whole stud came out with the nut so I guess mine seized in some way. When I put both nuts back in I just tightened them enough for a decent seal. So if I need to get it off again it should be pretty simple

Nice yeah it was in a pretty tight spot

I'm having the same pro.

It’s right there by all that. I would change your EGR gasket. Or it could be your valve cover gasket. That’s a common leak and an easy fix.

Yeah got it fixed thanks !

The EL2 was from 01-05 with the 05 having some different body styles. Your bay should look just like the engine bay in the video unless it had an engine swap at some time

It's found only on engines with the variable valve timing (VTEC) feature.

Yeah just additional protection lol

The M8 x 1.25 has to do with the tread size. M8 mean 8mm diameter of the threaded part not what size socket you'll need. Good question

Got it. Thank you!

Did you replace bolts as well?

2:40 I don't think those are that easy to replace. I did not replace them.

Thank you for your answer! I have the same problem, ordered all of the parts and will use your video as a tutorial - I really appreciate your detailed story! However, I am still have some questions about the procedure. I see you used a high-temp sealant for the EGD valve gasket. Did you apply it on both sides of the gasket or on only one of them? If only one, why didn’t you apply it on the other? Connections of metal to metal does not seem to be sealed by self and needs sealant always, but this is my prospective and I can be wrong.

If I remember right it was the same on both sides and symmetrical so no.

@@Dubya right on thanks for the reply I appreciate it

No the plug sits above the resting oil level. There's no need to drain the oil.

@@Dubya Thank you!

I’m not sure what your asking…

It could be. Mine didn’t leak again.

Check your valve cover gasket

@@Dubya I took it off and added a thin layer of that gasket maker goop, all good!

Good deal. Yeah I put on that high heat seal.

I have no idea!

No reason in my opinion maybe it's where the distributor use to be in older versions of this engine. Honda made some really silly engine designs over the years especially with plug wells which caused them to leak like hell

Awesome! I needed to change my EGR gasket though, so that’s why I took it off.

Craftsman is cheap tools

Craftsman when it comes to power tools I think can be commonly agreed upon as not being close to the very best- and they probably do lean toward the cheaper side of these things in their market class considered... However, I think they certainly still do, and for the most part always have, made very decent mechanics hand tools overall. Though generally not regarded as very expensive or among the most impressive to the common man, these of which I really don't think are regarded or known by most to be "cheap tools" though either. That goes for both the literal price tag averages, as well as for the general build quality concerning their mechanics hand tools overall 🤙

I didn’t think of that. There might be enough room..

Me to 😩

Spray it down with engine cleaner/degreaser, let it sit for a few minutes, then hose it down. Then drive it around for a little while and check for leak(s). I did this and confirmed that I have the same leak as in the video.

Why are we talking in all caps lol. I switch those terms all the time and I didn’t have my 1/4 drive set with me.

Check the video description for details and link for the parts used.

It’s in the video description

You have to keep adding oil or you run low on oil and risk damaging your engine.

Yeah rule of thumb anything that leaks, fix it fast or it will get expensive. Honda’s last forever as long as they are sealed. I got a 03’ Si did all the seals, timing belt, water pump, new plugs, new drive belts. It runs like a champion, still quick and handles awesome. The mileage is at 370K Kms... amazing car..

@@asteiner9181 bro if the crankshaft seal has been replaced but still sometimes leaks slowly why is that? I am talking about the seal in the timing belt and water pump area ...also my car sometimes spits oil on air box filters and engine cover I have no idea why...

@@mercpindi5522 did U do the camshaft seals too? When u do the timing belt and water pump.. the crank seals and camshaft seals have to be replaced. Replace the PCV and EGR valve too and see if there’s still leaks.

@@asteiner9181 yes cam seal it cost me llike 7$ from napa installed it myself. My car doesn't have egr its a non vtech and pcv valve I didn't install it.

I used both to be able to get to those nuts, but if your swivel is too big it wont fit. I recommend using a 1/4 drive. It might fit in that location a little better.

Yes sir. Love your engine bay it’s clean. Would you post the link to your air intake ?

@@SvoBrianRobles it was just an Ebay cold air. Then i made it into a short ram. i can find one that is similar but the one i have is about three years old.

www.ebay.com/itm/01-05-Honda-Civic-Automatic-1-7L-Red-Cold-Air-Intake-Stainless-Steel-Filter/152579109106?fits=Year%3A2002%7CModel%3ACivic%7CMake%3AHonda&hash=item23866c70f2:g:UP8AAOSwvU5XNEGd

It was still too bulky to fit.

Lol yes I beat myself up when I watch this video. This was my first video

Yeah I know. I’ve gotten so many comments about it. I don’t have an excuse lol. Whoops

Obviously but it’s easier and I shortened the intake because it was sucking in water.

Where?

@@Dubya to the left of the cap, there's a little crack

That’s an oil stain. That’s not a crack

It's an inspection hole . Honda techknowledgy

Mine lasted 160,000 miles before I had to change it Now it has 217,000 and still looks OK Part cost 3 bucks

@@tonyb2052 you send a croach

I know. I didn’t have any