When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Any scary stories about this mess? Valve covers melting
I own a 2005 Acura RL 220,000miles, I've paid a really good price on it and drove it for a few years. I didn't pay much mind to the engine bay, because i knew the owner from work. Cool guy.
I'm kind of knowledgeable about stuff but not a genius but I can do my own repairs.
I haven't checked the sparkplugs, or ignition coils and noticed some power issues and engine light. Tried some other things trying to diagnose the issue. Find my valve covers were leaking a lot of oil from spark plug holes.
Great stuff, also I would like to know why this or how this could have happened. What are some good ways I can avoid this happening again.
I have purchased covers, coils, and spark plugs that will hopefully be here soon.
Any other worries I should have about this or some recommendations for long term care?
This is a real learning point for me would love some advise
Looks like they were already "J-B welded" but maybe the cool guy from work bought it that way.
You'll need a new /used valve cover and new seals. Plenty of vids how to do the job.
Clean your engine and pay attention to all the little things.
Good luck!
This is a real learning point for mewould love some advise
Originally Posted by kb1vip
I didn't pay much mind to the engine bay...
Originally Posted by kb1vip
What are some good ways I can avoid this happening again.
Brah, not busting your chops here; however, those images above demonstrate the straight-up definition of neglect.
Reversing the attention you pay to the engine bay will go a long way in avoiding a repeat of the above predicament.
Brah, not busting your chops here; however, those images above demonstrate the straight-up definition of neglect.
Reversing the attention you pay to the engine bay will go a long way in avoiding a repeat of the above predicament.
New (or used) valve covers, gaskets, valve adjustment and timing belt+water pump+related components if not already done. 220k miles will do that specially if one has never looked under the hood.
Did both valve covers and gaskets, new spark plugs. Cleaned the old ignition coils and other things that needed some cleaning. Otherwise looks pretty good and runs so much smoother.
Torqued everything to spec and in the correct orders.
Where did you get valve covers? I got also RL with 226K and same thing leaking valve covers,I assume they also in same shape and should get them replaced too.
I also noticed loss of power but I got codes for O2 sensor likely from leaking oil and transmission switch.
Where did you get valve covers? I got also RL with 226K and same thing leaking valve covers,I assume they also in same shape and should get them replaced too.
I also noticed loss of power but I got codes for O2 sensor likely from leaking oil and transmission switch.
leaking valve covers could very well just be the valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals, not everyone needs a whole new cover..
When I say broken I meant damaged around spark plug hole.Seems to be common problem on Acuras and Hondas.Wonder if that requires new valve cover or it can be repaired.
Well it turns out my mechanic tried to replace valve cover gaskets and said coils are melted to valve covers and he cant do it so advises to replace both.
So is there anything that can be done with existing stuff,at least salvage coils or do you I need new set.
New valve covers are $250 each and coils are expensive but I see they sell packs of 6 for like 250 at local auto stores so wonder if they are any good or which brand is good.
I did find wrecked RL at local junkyard and they said if I remove it I can have valve covers and coils for $150.Any other place I can find used valve covers?
Found some salvaged RLs online but sellers want too much for valve covers and coils.
Yes, this series Acura RL does seem to have a problem with valve covers cracking after many, many miles. I had to replace my valve covers in November 2021 when my car had 267000 miles. Replacing the valve covers really helped the oil leak dripping and burning onto the manifold.
I think that it was worth it to replace the valve covers if planning to keep the car.
Well it turns out my mechanic tried to replace valve cover gaskets and said coils are melted to valve covers and he cant do it so advises to replace both.
So is there anything that can be done with existing stuff,at least salvage coils or do you I need new set.
New valve covers are $250 each and coils are expensive but I see they sell packs of 6 for like 250 at local auto stores so wonder if they are any good or which brand is good.
I did find wrecked RL at local junkyard and they said if I remove it I can have valve covers and coils for $150.Any other place I can find used valve covers?
Found some salvaged RLs online but sellers want too much for valve covers and coils.
^
These are the only ones available in the USA on car-part.com, so if one of these yards is near you, it is time to get your hands dirty; otherwise, cough up the cash for new?
I've never heard of this melted valve cover problem until now. I just did a quick search and it seems like it affects just about any Honda model with the J series.
I think my RL has a little over 270k on it now and is starting to leak a bit on the garage floor, so I need to look into this.
Yes, at much lower mileage and, after all the repair work done, now a blown head gasket. Seems to be age, not miles. 2006 RL had 140,000 miles, had never run hot, always maintained (did the 120k service at 80k so belt and pump already replaced), was found to have "degraded and flaking" valve covers, as I understood it. (If I find the invoice, I'll edit to reflect the actual repairs.) The mechanic replaced them and the gaskets, tuned up the car. It ran better than it did when I bought it with 6k miles on it. Put on new tires, brake job, etc. So, I sunk about $4k into the car in the last year expecting another 100k with the engine work. Within a few weeks, the day after I drove it 7 perfect driving hours round trip, it runs so rough backing out of my driveway with so much white smoke from the tail pipes that I park it immediately and have it towed. Mechanic replaced the misfiring plug (#3) and told me it has a blown head gasket. 3 shops recommend engine replacement, including the shop that did the work (no warranty on the work). Prices range from $2-4k, all quoting me on the exact same used engine since they use the same supplier and it has only one in stock. I have been waved off the truly low mileage engines made for Japanese market as not well-maintained. I am weighing putting gasket sealant in the coolant, crossing my fingers, and trying to get more miles from this engine with all the new parts (can risk not having a working heater in my climate) v. going ahead with a replacement v. donating the car with repair notes v. selling it on marketplace (disclosing issues) and having strangers come to my house (nope)..... Leaning toward sealant. Hope you have better luck and outcome.
I just got done replacing the valve gasket and noticed that four out of the six tubes where corroded. I just cleaned then the best I could do the tube seals will not leak. It is a Carmen issue on the J series engines.
it runs so rough backing out of my driveway with so much white smoke from the tail pipes that I park it immediately and have it towed.
Originally Posted by RL2006gal
I am weighing putting gasket sealant in the coolant
Those sealant products only work on very small leaks, if at all - they won't do anything to help a major leak.
Replacing the two headgaskets is doable - have you just considered just getting them replaced ? Seems crazy to swap the engine for a head gasket issue unless you know the engine was overheated.
01-30-2024, 05:02 PM
