Car has 116k miles on it and the owner says it needs a new one? Is this a sign of a problem or is this a common issue? I know that the valves are to be adjusted but does this mean he just didn't put a new gasket on like he should have?

Just a couple newb Q's I read through all the FAQ posts and did a search and didnt find anything on this... He may just be pulling my leg and there is a bigger problem.

 

if you see oil leaking along the edge of the valve cover on the engine, then yes you should replace it. Or if you pull off the valve cover and it looks all old and busted.

 

Is this normal? Or a sign of neglect?

 

definitely unusual.

 

^
valve cover gaskets need to be replaced.

they are wear and tear...and at that high mileage, it sounds about right.

 

doesnt seem like a big problem. lots of hondas need the gasket replaced (constant heat, cooling causes the rubber to break down,etc)

 

Yep,makes sense. An '00 w/116k and has never been changed.As always,having the compression/leak down tested is a good idea.Before u buy.

 

Wow so that is considered high mileage on these cars? I always think it has to break 150k before I would consider it a high mileage car. Good info to know... Thanks!

 

There are some folks already breaking 200k miles. But for this car, over 100k is getting up there. Remember, this is a very high revving sports car. Probably 75% of buyers were enthusiast and not just Sunday drivers. Especially for an MY00-01 where almost everyone had to get on a waiting list to buy one. It will be rare to find a car that wasn't driven hard.

As for the gasket...like someone said...inspect it. The gaskets are pretty robust. My car has close to the same mileage and it's not leaking...and I've pulled my valve cover off several times. That is the most likely way it was damaged...someone didn't take the cover off carefully.