Good deal, It. lastly, Since im gonna be doing this, shouldnt I also replace the oozing valve cover gasket, as it's time. Can one do that without messing with the tedious timing belt and without removing the power steering pump? ?

Let me know, and I'll buy the whole kit, and tackle it in one weekend........Thanks, Man.

 

R&R the valve cover does not require touching the timing belt.

Also examine the VTEC solenoid, it can leak oil badly but do it only on the road when VTEC is engaged.

 

Good to know about the valve gasket, MK. Now, how does one "do it only on the road when VTEC......"? How do/examine the solenoid while driving? I dont get this part, MK. Am I missing something here?

 

Look for evidence of oil around the solenoid. If the gasket is blown a certain way, oil may come out but only while VTEC is active.

What you could do is replace the valve cover gasket, then clean all the oil off of the outside of the engine and watch for any to reappear.

 

careful with the ac line bolt if its rusty it will snap rite off also make sure the spark plug grommets are in the rite direction otherwise the valve cover won't seat properly.

 

If you don't see smoke while following your car or when it is idling on the driveway and there are no oil puddles on the concrete, you've got it narrowed down mightily. How dirty is your engine above the oil pan?