Hello everyone. This is my first post and I hope its in the right place and not just taking up space. I have a 2004 accord EX and I noticed some oil spots on the driveway for the last few days. I put the car up the ramps and took a look. I was expecting to find a broken cv boot or something since I have heard some clicky clanking noise but instead found oil around the CV axle, oil filter and all the surrounding area. A closer look at the source of the leak and it looks like from what I have been reading about and from the oem parts websites that this is the vtec solenoid. I have a picture I found on the web and marked the are in red for all to see and hopefully help.

 

IH8SPM (we hate spam too)
Your 2004 is so much different than the 1994 in this thread, that I'm gonna move this to it's own thread.

 

Good news! I fixed my own problem. As suspected it was the VTEC solenoids/spool. I had ordered the seal yesterday and it arrived today. After removing the solenoids I tried removing the gasket and noticed that a small piece of the top of the seal was partially worn and popped right out unlike the rest of it which came out as whole. I took great pictures but since I'm new I can't post them. The job is not difficult and the only tools required are a 1/4 ratchet with small extension and a size 10mm socket short or long your choice. Here's a short run through of whets required.

1. Unplug the 2 connectors on top. Be extra careful with the black one it tends to break easy.
2. Loosen and remove the 3 10mm bolts on the back.
3. Once you have the bolts out you will need to tap on it or pull it towards the firewall/interior to remove it.
4. Once removed you can now remove the metal cover that is held in place by a small 10mm bolt.
5. Remove the gasket from the solenoids or engine block depends where it stuck to more.
6. Clean the part and surface area and install new gasket filter facing in to the solenoid.
7. Install the metal cover using the small bolt on side.
8. Install the top screw first for ease and then the remaining two until they are secure and tight.
9. Plug in gray and black connector.
10. Start vehicle with a few cranks but don't turn it over, retry a second time and allow the car to start and idle for a few to verify leaks or CEL.
11. Enjoy the money you saved by DIY in less than 30 minutes if you read this first.

I did notice one thing while doing the install. First I originally thought the exhaust manifold cover needed to be removed but it did not so unless you need something from that area leave it alone. Second thing is that if you break the tab on any of the plugs simply clean the outer part of the plug to remove any oils or grease. Apply a dot or two of RTV red sealant to the outer base on the solenoid and set it in place. This will hold it in place to prevent it from coming loose but remain accessible if needed; you'll just need a little more strength. Third thing I noticed is that from a cold 40 degree temp start the valves made less noise. This part is not prone to failure but it is the same part that effected many 2008-up accords whose owners complained of rattling noise upon start up when cold. Myself included.

Well I hope this helps someone else save a few dollars and learn new repair.

PS MOD if you could post the pictures for me I can email them to you.

 

Pictures... I'm surprised you can't post pictures.
When making a post, click the button that says "GO ADVANCED". Then you'll see a button that says "Manage Attachments".

If that doesn't work, host them somewhere (flickr? snapfish?) & just put the link in text.

 

Wow, i think I'm leaking from the same exact spot. If I'm correct this is on the left side by the alternator? also did you have to drain the oil before removing, I'm assuming yes?

 

Disregard about the old needing to be drained, I wasn't fully thinking and had to high five my face,

 

Well, if you've got a 2004 like the original thread, it's bolted to the backside of the head. Shown at #4 in this picture.

You shouldn't have to drain the oil. But when you remove the spool valve, probably a very little oil will drip out (few ml). Wipe it with a rag so it doesn't burn on your exhaust manifold when you run the engine.

 

Yea I just went and looked again, I think I'm leaking just around the corner on the back passenger side back of the engine between the wheel well. I thought that's where the solenoid sat, unless its leaking down and around which I doubt since it looks relatively clean around the solenoid.

 

ggarcia - It would help if we knew what kind of vehicle you are driving. Put that information in your signature.

Also, use driver/passenger and bumper/firewall to give unambiguous directions in the engine bay.

 

Yea sorry, I was digging around some more, looks like its leaking some where on the chain case side. It's a 04 accord EX btw.