having the same issues now. So buying a new Vtec Solenoid it is then huh. :-/

 

Yes sir...that's what I ended up doing..and no more leaks..sucks that it has to be this way just for an O-ring..I really don't understand why they don't sell this O-ring oviosly it didn't grow there someone has to be making these O-ring and fitting them in there before they install the top cap..I guess they just want to make money..

 

I just bought a MY2000 with a known leak @ 137k miles. Most likely the valve cover gasket but haven't ruled out the VTEC solenoid/gaskets (yet). Will certainly replace all nearby/associated gaskets since they're old and crusty anyways. As for this o-ring for which Honda offers no replacement, has anyone measured the diameter and thickness of it to find a potential generic replacement from an o-ring manufacturer? Would be most ideal to replacing the entire solenoid!

Thanks!

 

Billman was talking to gasket manufacturers for a while trying to get a replacement gasket made up. Most wanted an astronomical quantity. I haven't tried to track down any updates for a few months.
Make sure to replace the spark plug tube seals if you take the valve cover off.

 

dc2-2-ap1, thanks for the heads-up. I wound up finding/replying to this thread, too. I saw Billman was facing headwinds (not enough quantity as you mention). I know for certain my valve cover gasket is leaking just above the VTEC solenoid, so I've got the valve cover gasket kit and spark plug tube seals waiting for me to pick them up. If after that I still have a leak, then the likely (additional) culprit is the dreaded solenoid. If you follow the other post, I suggested 3D printing a mold for the gasket and casting a gasket myself to see how it worked out - if it comes to that. Stay tuned & thanks again for the info!

 

dc2-2-ap1, thanks for the heads-up. I wound up finding/replying to this thread, too. I saw Billman was facing headwinds (not enough quantity as you mention). I know for certain my valve cover gasket is leaking just above the VTEC solenoid, so I've got the valve cover gasket kit and spark plug tube seals waiting for me to pick them up. If after that I still have a leak, then the likely (additional) culprit is the dreaded solenoid. If you follow the other post, I suggested 3D printing a mold for the gasket and casting a gasket myself to see how it worked out - if it comes to that. Stay tuned & thanks again for the info!
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Quick question.. do you have a oil catch can? not sure if that might help or not.

 

Awesome timing to find this thread. I just recently noticed that I have an insane oil leak, and tracked it back to the solenoid. Gonna check the plug to see what kind of money I'm looking at spending here. Mine is definitely worse than a drip, though. I think it's gotten progressively worse over time. I always thought it was my valve cover gasket, but until recently the oil loss was negligible so I never bothered to replace it.

 

Question: Does anyone know if these gaskets are reusable in the vtec solenoid? I'd like to open it up and take a look at it in case I can visibly see which gasket is shot. I'd prefer to not have a 2800lb lawn ornament until the new part arrives, though.

 

Ballade has top VTEC solenoid gaskets, granted they're $30 each which is very pricey for a piece of rubber but it's cheaper than the alternative of getting a $180 VTEC solenoid. I bought 3 extra set of o-rings for the future.