[2016LX]

Hey everyone, I have a 2016 LX with 4 cyl engine. I noticed that the engine is losing oil whenever I checked it. When I took the car for an engine oil change, the mechanic told me that it’s leaking oil. The mechanic told me that I need to replace the entire valve cover along with the gasket.

A friend of mine told me that the mechanic is trying to make more money from me by telling me to change the entire valve cover. He told me all I need to do is just to change the valve cover gasket.

What do you guys think? Is it necessary to change the valve cover or just the gasket? The car only have 60k miles.

Any input and suggestion will be much appreciated.

Thank you

 

[jwynn11]

It may depend if the valve cover itself has a crack in it, or if its just the valve cover gasket that has worn down since its about 9 years old. Try taking a look around to see where oil leaks the heaviest and examine the area to find what's wrong.

 

[Hudouc]

Isn't it that some years of the 9th gen has valve covers with changeable gaskets while other years had integrated gaskets that required the entire valve cover to be changed?

Either way, valvecover gasket leaks is often a seep. Rarely results in noticeable changes in engine oil level.

 

[2016LX]

Thanks guys for the input.

The engine were losing a good amount of oil when I checked it. The mechanic said it’s not from the drain bolt or the oil pan. He said it’s from the valve cover. He did not say it’s cracked.

The car only has 60k miles. It’s my daily car. I never fixed anything on this car other than just regular maintenance. Is it possible to have a cracked valve cover with only 60k miles?

As for the valve cover gasket, I checked with Honda and I can buy the gasket alone. I don’t have to purchase the entire valve cover to change the gasket.

The mechanic also told me that this is a common problem.

I know very little about cars. I know mostly just the basic maintenance, that’s why I want to hear the input from you guys. I don’t want to get ripped off by the mechanic.

Thanks again

 

[WiiMaster]

I checked with Honda and I can buy the gasket alone

But does it fit your specific car? There were 9th gens that had a standalone gasket, so naturally a gasket can be purchase to use on those. The question is whether yours is one of them.

 

[2016LX]

But does it fit your specific car? There were 9th gens that had a standalone gasket, so naturally a gasket can be purchase to use on those. The question is whether yours is one of them.

When I asked Honda, they told me that parts number 12341-5a2-a01 is a valve cover gasket alone that will fit my 2016 LX with 2.4 engine.

 

[mtts60]

The early 9th generations had a valve cover where you could replace the spark plug tube seal gaskets. The later 9th generation from about 2015 on you have to buy the whole valve cover to get the new tube seal gaskets.

But for the actual valve cover itself, the gasket for that is a separate item.

 

[sequoiasoon]

Simple Green cleaner, spray it all, rinse off and then look for where leaks are. Take pictures and share. Is this a trusted mechanic or one that you just started to use? Has it been to dealer even though more $$ often? Do you notice blue smoke when you start the car? Do you find oil spots where you park? It's great to learn to work on cars but not sure if VCG is best place to start with out some help from someone with the ability to guide.

As @mtts60 listed IF you can get the tube seals for your version than just gasket and seals. If no seals available then yes full cover because otherwise you might need to pay labor 2x to replace it again. Most shops are close to $200/hour now so he might be saving you money and his time by doing the full valve cover.

Define losing oil. When and where do you check it? Always cold in same LEVEL parking space? Always hot at gas station? how long after shut off? How much are you losing at how many miles? Do you idle a lot to rack up hours more than miles? What is oil change history? At maintenance minder, what % or a certain mileage or time? What oil brand and version do you use?

There are multiple places it can leak from and some (like the spark plug tube seals) that you won't see until they fill up too far and it doesn't run correctly and may need new coil packs.

This is my example but on a Kia Forte. It was seeping/slight leak from valve cover gasket never any stains on ground, no oil burning smell, no blue smoke. I just got tired of the mess when working in things. One spark plug tube was more than 1/2 full but car still ran perfect. another had about 1/4 full, the other 2 were dry.

 

[WiiMaster]

Is there any reason why a 9th gen owner with the built in tube seals can't put in a valve cover from an earlier 9th gen that has the separate tube seals? So in the future the seals can be replaced separately?

 

[gilbo]

Hey everyone, I have a 2016 LX with 4 cyl engine. I noticed that the engine is losing oil whenever I checked it. When I took the car for an engine oil change, the mechanic told me that it’s leaking oil. The mechanic told me that I need to replace the entire valve cover along with the gasket.

A friend of mine told me that the mechanic is trying to make more money from me by telling me to change the entire valve cover. He told me all I need to do is just to change the valve cover gasket.

What do you guys think? Is it necessary to change the valve cover or just the gasket? The car only have 60k miles.

Any input and suggestion will be much appreciated.

Thank you

Post a picture, of your engine bay, this thread is useless with out a picture.

 

[2016LX]

Sorry guys for not replying. I’ve been busy.

Well, the shop replaced the valve cover & the gasket. The shop mentioned that the valve cover might be warped. They said they did replace few Accord’s gasket before & none of them solved the issue until they replaced the valve cover. They mentioned that the new car’s valve cover isn’t as strong as the older car.

I already maybe a thousand miles and no leaks. Everything is good now.

Thanks again for all your input.

 

[bowton]

Isn't it that some years of the 9th gen has valve covers with changeable gaskets while other years had integrated gaskets that required the entire valve cover to be changed?

Either way, valvecover gasket leaks is often a seep. Rarely results in noticeable changes in engine oil level.

Correct on the valve cover. My 2016 will only let you replace the two perimeter gaskets on the valve cover. The spark plug gaskets are molded in and can't be replaced. You have to buy the entire VC assembly. But its plastic so not crazy expensive. I pulled mine at 95K to adjust the valves and replace the plugs and there were no leaks. The spark plug grommets seemed to be in good enough condition so I just did the perimeter gasket.