I started smelling burning oil a few weeks ago. It doesn't seem to be getting noticably worse but it's bad enough that I can't let it go.

I started googling around online and I'm assuming that it's a gasket based on what I found online.

So, I popped the hood today(not a car guy) to see what's going on. I've attached some pictures.

Does it look like that culprit that I can see in the photos? If that's the case, does anyone know how difficult($$$) of a job this is?

http://img35.imageshack.us/i/feb262010015.jpg/
http://img94.imageshack.us/i/feb262010014.jpg/
http://img294.imageshack.us/i/feb262010013.jpg/

 

 

IF I knew what year, I could post a parts picture.

Well, they're nearly alike, so look on the left side for your non-VTEC engine...

New gasket set (#1) comes with 4 round seals (#7) for the sparkplug tubes, & grommets (#15) for the washers.

Don't over-tighten the hold-down nuts (#14) cause the studs will break.

 

You may also want to replace the o-ring that seals the distributor shaft while you are replacing the valve cover gasket.

 

It's a '97 with 130k on it. I was focusing on that specific area with the photos because it's the only area that oil was visible.

Nothing is dripping and the oil level is fine. The car runs perfectly other than the smell. I have not taken the car on a substantial trip recently though.

If it is the valve cover gasket, can someone tell me how many hours the job to replace that should be? Thanks.

 

It's pretty easy, but we don't know your speed

Probably less than an hour, unless you break one of the hold-down studs. The gasket is rubbery & fits into a big slot in the valvecover, so it's not like you have to scrape a cardboard gasket that's been baked on & shreds apart when you remove the VC.

Pay attention to the position of the sparkplug tube seals. There's a right-side-up or upside-down when you're installing them. You don't want your sparkplug tubes to fill up with oil.

Get some Permatex Ultra-Grey (or Honda-Bond from the dealer) & put just a tiny bit on the 4 sharp corners where the gasket goes up over the camshaft.

FelPro is a popular brand at places like AutoZone. I got one & it was just a bit long. I had to wrestle a bit, but here's the trick. Position it so the excess slack is looped in front where you can see it easily. Place the rear of the VC down first, then push the gasket into place as you lower the front. A plastic puttyknife works OK for that, especially if it's dull with rounded corners.

 

 

Good post guys, good pictures and good answers..That's what it's all about in this forum..

 

 

I agree with other members leak looks like valve cover gasket and possibly distr o-ring ..get a valve cover gasket and o-ring from the dealer it only costs about 8-11 dollars for both ,, the upper tube seals are a bit harder to replace on 94-97 than on 90-93 accords......they cost about 2-4 dollars each .......get ultra grey it is a lot cheaper than honda- bond ...
94-97 you have to basically hammer them out with a small hammer and screwdriver , 90-93, you could just pull them off with your hand or at times just fell off..

And like advised ,, be careful when you re-install the valve cover do not over tighten the acorn nuts ..

Ronracer why would you buy the whole top end gasket set??? you might never need to use that ,, could be a waste of money versus saving money ..