I have a 2000 Accord 4cyl LX with a large oil leak. It is coming from behind the valve cover on the passenger side, in the vicinity of the VTEC Solenoid and the EGR Valve. The oil can be seen flowing out of this area and pooling on the top of the intake manifold before dripping down the back of the block and pooling on the ground. It only leaks when the car is running and is a large leak, not drips.

I replaced the valve cover gasket today, so it is not that. I suspect it is either a gasket on the VTEC solenoid or the distributor shaft seal. I know of no other item in this area of the engine that could leak such a large volume of oil. Would either of these components be capable of leaking this much oil? I estimate when running, it leaks about 1-2 cups every 30 seconds.

Your advice would be appreciated as I would love to fix this myself, but not sure which component to start with.

Thanks,
Darren

 

I think with that amount of leakage, you'd be able to see exactly where it's coming from.

 

You would think it would be easy. Trouble is I am short and the leak is obscured by a fuel rail, injectors, wires, vacuum lines. Its a dense area and I am only moderately experienced in troubleshooting. Do you feel this much oil could come from one of these two spots?

Thanks.

 

With the description given....I'm with the o-ring/gasket on the vtec.

 

While the items mentioned above may need to be addressed as well, the main issue was the classic double oil filter gasket. Old one had stuck to block, new one installed on top. The "hole" was shooting straight up between the gaskets, between two parts of the intake manifold, hitting a fuel injector and pooling on top of the intake manifold. As I saw it coming from the top, I assumed it must be there somewhere and did not want to get under the car to look at the oil filter when there was such a leak from above. In the words of the Homer...Simpson that is, "Doh.!"

Thanks all for the help.

Darren

 

Yea that will do it, didn't know there was a recent oil change......You found it, it is fix and life is better......Thanks for the follow up, too many times we never know the end of the story....so again THANK YOU for coming back with the answer.

 

You are more than welcome. I too have experienced too many non-follow-ups on internet forums so i always try to make sure the solution is there if possible.

Glad to help and thanks to all for your help.
Darren