Vtec Solenoid Gasket Replacement

In this video I'll be replacing the Vtec solenoid gasket on a 2002 Honda Accord 2.3L. Vtech solenoid gaskets are very common for leaking oil. This one is no exception. It was leaking very badly for some time. The the gaskets are made of rubber and usually become very hard after many years of being exposed to very hot temperatures. As they get hard they loose their ability to seal.

The method I use in this video, as mentioned in the video, is not "by the book". Its a short cut. By doing it this way taking the thermostat housing and the EGR valve off will not be needed.

There is a draw back to doing it this way though. As mentioned in the video, you will not have enough room to get to the 3 bolts that hold the Vtec solenoid to the cylinder head with a torque wrench. This may prevent proper torquing of the bolts resulting in an oil leak potentially catastrophic engine damage. (As in you may ruin you engine if all the oil leaks out due to this oil leak).....SO DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I make no guarantees that by using this video you will make a quality repair. However, if your mechanically inclined and are experienced in auto repair then this video may help.

As for what to use to clean the mating surfaces of the Vtec solenoid and the cylinder head, I would recommend something equivalent to Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty scour pads. (NOTE: WASH SOME DISHES WITH SCOURING PAD FOR AT LEASE A WEEK OR TWO BEFORE USING. THIS WILL SOFTEN THEM UP. INITIALLY THEY ARE A LITTLE HARD. ALSO WET THE PAD WITH BRAKE CLEAN BEFORE USING) They are green and should not be too abrasive as to cause deep scratches on the mating surfaces. I wouldn't go with a metal scouring pad or anything more abrasive that the Scotch-Brite pads. Note: only use very light pressure when cleaning surfaces. Use scouring pad on another like surface that isn't a mating surface to insure the pad used does not damage the surface before cleaning mating surfaces. If it damages the surface then use something lighter and repeat test.
Here is a link to a web page showing the recommended scour pad.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Scotch-Brite-Heavy-Duty-Scour-Pad-6-Count-226-CC/202511521

Here is a link to a video showing other methods of cleaning mating surfaces on engines and engine parts.
https://youtu.be/Uy5p-cUge5s

DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guaranty that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guaranty that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. You can do it. Do it right and do it safely.

Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guaranty a proper repair using these techniques.

Created with MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 2016