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So my 2002 Honda Civic LX (d17a) has been burning oil for the past few thousand miles. I never notice any puddles or oil stains under the car, but it is always about a quart or so low when I go to change the oil at regular intervals. I did some looking around online and I have found two relatively easy and cheap/common possible solutions; a fouled or clogged PCV valve and/or the rear cam plug seal. The PCV valve seems like an easy DIY fix, but I did notice some oil around the cam plug seal as well. I am nervous to attempt this job as I’ve seen it on YouTube as I’m afraid I’ll break the teeth on the old plug pulling it out then have to dismantle the engine to get the pieces out.
Does anyone have experience with this issue and these particular fixes and/or have any advice on other possible causes beyond these?
Thanks
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This is just my opinion. How many miles are on the car, and how long between oil changes? How long are you planning on keeping it? Again, my opinion, if you are not seeing oil leaks, if its not leaking oil onto the exhaust, and its must a damp oily spot, a quart between oil changes is not bad if it has quite a few miles on it.
Thanks for the reply, the car has a lot of miles on it; just over 220k. I do plan on keeping it as long as possible though. I do my best to change the oil every 4-5 thousand miles and have been running high mileage synthetic blend for about the last 80,000 miles.
All the same if there are any problems I do my best to fix them so long as they’re not cost prohibitive. That’s why these two seemingly easy and cheap fixes jumped out at me.
I’m cleaning the engine bay really well today to see if I can pinpoint any leaks, and cleaning the pcv valve per my local dealers suggestion over just getting a new one.
Removed the PCV valve and there was indeed some oil residue on the threads as well as both sides of the valve. Cleaned with water per honda dealers suggestion and a bit of brake clean. I also cleaned around the cam plug to see if any oil pools around that area again. Fingers crossed this was a quick and easy fix!
Considering the high miles I’d suggest running both a dry and wet compression test. Odds are you’re going to find that the engine is getting tired and there’s some piston ring issues.
Unless it gets worse, just do what you can and maybe live with losing a quart between oil changes.
I know that sounds like a smart ass answer but it is not. Here is the thing –
Honda engines are kind of bad about leaking and/or burning oil. Especially after 220,000 miles. ANY car is going to have some oil loss problems after that long.
If you are worried about trying to repair it if it could get into a huge mess (like you said in so many words), it might be best to leave well enough alone.And as you already know, just keep an eye on the level by checking it (and the other fluids) about once a week.
After almost a quarter of a million miles, you can pretty much count on your valve guide seals being shot.
[quote=”Evil-i” post=157878]After almost a quarter of a million miles, you can pretty much count on your valve guide seals being shot.[/quote]
Honda uses a positive type valve seal. It’s rare that they have issues.
However, it is very common for those engines to burn oil, even new. I’d do a compression check to verify the engine’s health. Everyone hopes for valve seals in this situation, but it’s rarely the case in my experience. I talk of this issue in more detail here.
BTW, good call on not replacing the PCV. The Honda PCV is way better than anything you could get in the aftermarket.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thank you for all the replies! I am definitely still experiencing some oil loss based on regular checks. Unfortunately I don’t have access to a compression test tool. If I do decide to take it somewhere to have this addressed or looked at I am armed with more knowledge now though, so thanks again for pointing me in the right direction everyone!
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