Questions and Answers
Leaky Valve Cover
Q. I own a 1988 Civic LX Sedan:
1.5 L motor
Manual Transmission
159,000 Miles
F.I.
P/S, A/C, P/W
Rack and Pinion SteeringIt has an oil leak on the number 2 (from the left) spark plug tube. I have replaced the valve cover seal twice, and the second time I used a rubber gasket sealant. It still leaks. Do you have any suggestions that could remedy this problem.
Thanks for your time.
LeonelA. I have found that when this happens, it's usually because the valve cover has warped or cracked. Sometimes RTV silicone gasket will take up the slack.
What I have done to correct similar problems is to take two of the seals, put one on the valve cover side and one on the spark plug side. Then I take a square of gasket paper and lay it on the top of the spark plug side and, carefully so as not to move the gasket and seals, place the valve cover back on and tighten the valve cover bolts. Do not over tighten as that will warp the cover. Then I take a sharp knife and cut the gasket paper on the inside to allow the spark plug wire to be attached.
