Cam/Valve Cover Gasket Leaking Oil? Smoking

[branneighbor]

Hey guys,

Earlier today while idling I smelt a burnt smell in my car. I brought my car home and opened er' up to find the right side(if facing car head on) of my camshaft smoking a little. I believe the smoke was white. I also noticed, as you'll see in the video, a liquid(likely oil) all around where I believe the gasket for the cam(valve cover?) runs(the length of the camshaft itself) and seals the valve cover itself.

I noticed a screw was missing(pic below), so I drove to the hardware store down the street and replaced the screw.

After idling the car for several minutes, it seemed the problem was gone as there was no smoke anymore. I figured the camshaft was just leaking oil because the screw was missing, the oil dripped down onto hotter parts of the engine bay and smoked as it burnt. Turns out after a quick drive with a few revs of the engine to make sure all was well, it was smoking again. I took video and uploaded it. Here's the link:

You Tube

You Tube

This shows how the oil(?) runs the length of the camshaft (gasket?). As you'll see, oil is also around the engine oil cap. I would think it could be that except the oil runs everywhere and the opposite side of the cam was the area smoking(see pic).

I've also got a picture:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...Ohdk9soho/edit


My hypothesis:
I've never dealt or messed with the camshaft, cam seal, cam gasket, etc. but from what I've read on this site and others, it sounds like I need to replace the Valve Cover Gasket(as done here: Cam Seal and Valve Cover Gasket Replacement - Team Integra Forums - Team Integra) and I should be good to go.

Any input, help, advice at all would be great help! Thanks!
EDIT: Trying to upload an HD version to youtube, but internet is struggling. Will keep trying.
EDIT: Added new video link, HD should be watchable soon.

***EDIT***: My Dad looked at the car and this is what we know: The liquid is actually oil, it is apparently leaking slightly, and it is burning once it hits the exhaust. From what I understand, this is not a big deal and some individuals would simply allow this to continue and supplement by adding oil every few thousand miles. At this point, I'm going to continue driving my car regularly unless problems escalate or more problems ensue. I will be replacing the valve cover gasket when I get some free time probably within a week or two. Thanks!

[dethurbate]

from what you're saying sounds like you just need a valve cover gasket, by the way, your video is set on private haha

[95lscoupe]

There aren't any screws on the valve cover, but I don't think the nut that was missing would cause you to leak as much oil as your describing. You should degrease that area with a degreaser like mean green and run it for a day and see if it is still leaking.

[abqjohnny]

I think I have a valve cover gasket new from Honda if you want one. PM me.

[Integra_jdm]

I have that same problem. I just bought a valve cover gasket alont with the spark plug seals. Would anyone happen to know if the grey gasket sealer is good to use for the sides of the gaske on the valve cover?

[citrus3000psi]

Originally Posted by Integra_jdm

I have that same problem. I just bought a valve cover gasket alont with the spark plug seals. Would anyone happen to know if the grey gasket sealer is good to use for the sides of the gaske on the valve cover?

Use "honda bond", any honda/acura parts dept will have this.

[Integra_jdm]

We dont have A honda here in town have to drive like 50 miles. So that sealer i have isnt good?

[citrus3000psi]

Originally Posted by Integra_jdm

We dont have A honda here in town have to drive like 50 miles. So that sealer i have isnt good?

I don't know what sealer you have but yes others will work. The sealer, should NOT dry hard, it needs to stay semi flexible.

Something like this from autozone will work

[Integra_jdm]

This is the one I got.

Permatex Rigid High Torque RTV Silicone Vacuum Equipment Gasket Maker

[citrus3000psi]

Originally Posted by Integra_jdm

This is the one I got.

Permatex Rigid High Torque RTV Silicone Vacuum Equipment Gasket Maker

That will more than likely work, but if it was me I wouldn't use it. It looks like it would be a bitch to get off next time you replace the gasket. The valve cover is not a high torque area, and this is why it does NOT use a hard/rigid gasket sealer.

[Integra_jdm]

Alright man ima go return this one right now and go get that autozone one> Thanks bro. Appriciate it

[tlangy]

Valve cover replacement and cam seal gasket have both been covered on the site. A search will yield many results next time