You shouldnt need to use a sealant as risk of getting some inside valve. Might be an idea to try and get a close look at surfaces to check for scratches / imperfections. If all looks OK then thorouhly clean seal and seal groove etc.

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

I sprayed a rag with some engine degreaser and cleaned both the the spool valve and the flat part on the back of the engine block that it connects to before re-attaching the spool valve, but I wasn't necessarily looking for scratches, etc, so I'll give it another inspection and try again.

I bought genuine OEM gaskets, but honestly, I'm not even sure if the spool valve is OEM, it looks like it, but I don't really know how to tell. I don't remember ever having it replaced, but, I've owned the car for sometime (its a 2006) and it did have a previous owner. I'm tempted to see if I can get ahold of another spool valve and see if maybe its the spool valve itself that is leaking.

 

I took another look and it appears that the leak may not be coming from the seal where the spool valve and the engine block meet, but rather, the oil appears to be coming from the top of the bottom most bolt, so i think that would indicate a leak coming from the spool valve itself? I tried getting a picture, but, it was hard to get a picture with how tight and how dark it is behind the engine block. I may see where I can get a spool valve and see if that fixes it. Any recommendation on OEM v aftermarket? I'll update once finished.

 

@ajchien looks a lot like what I am experiencing. Sorry you went down the path of replacing the timing cover seal! Thanks for sharing your experience, I'll definitely try replacing the spool valve at this point and I'll post back.

 

I hate guessing. When a leak was that small, I could never see it when I had the engine running, nor after a test drive. It was one of those things that only showed up the next day after cleaning up the area (that picture in post#5). But it collected right along the lower bolt. I’m still unsure why a new spool valve assembly fixed my tiny leak. Frankly still doesn’t make sense to me.

FWIW, going back to your original question. I did have a conversation with a Honda dealer tech (friend) In the long ago past. He said that they will use some sealant if it leaks despite a new gasket. However, he had stressed “only a small amount and only on the outside of the gasket. Keep the inside clear”.

 

Bothers me too when it doesn't make sense!

I've got a new OEM spool valve on its way from HondaPartsNow.com (it was way cheaper than my local Honda dealership, the leak is small enough that I can wait a few days on the shipping).

Good to know about the sealant. If all else fails, I'll try adding some in a very small amount and being careful to stay outside the gasket area.

Thanks again.

 

Just to update on this one, I ended up purchasing an OEM Spool Valve from HondaPartsNow.com. Link below. I made sure to to tighten up the assembly per spec with a small torque wrench and leak appears to be fixed after driving for a full day. I've also included a link to the service manual I found with the specs. Nice little overview that explains the spool valve assembly and other VTT related parts. Spool value is referred to Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve in the service manual.

Spool Valve - 2006 Honda CR-V 5 Door EX (2WD) KA 5AT

Shop in the parts listing - 2006 Honda CR-V 5 Door EX (2WD) KA 5AT Spool Valve. Discounted prices and Hassle-Free Return on genuine Honda parts.

www.hondapartsnow.com

Honda CR-V - VTC Oil Control Solenoid Valve Removal/Test/Installation - VTEC/VTC

www.hcrv.net

 

with the old one out, do you see any cracks in the spool valve (in the bolt hole?) any imperfections on the mating surface? Like I said earlier, mine which leaked visually looked perfect. I Couldn’t find a reason for mine to leak.

 

Agree it doesnt make any sense other than maybe a hairline crack. Anyway glad you appear to have it sorted.

 

Glad you got it fixed, I had seen kits where there were sone internal seals you could change in case that helps someone next time. In my case I did the spool valve seal and also had a leaking oil pressure sensor.

 

with the old one out, do you see any cracks in the spool valve (in the bolt hole?) any imperfections on the mating surface? Like I said earlier, mine which leaked visually looked perfect. I Couldn’t find a reason for mine to leak.

I'll clean it up and report back to let you know.

 

I tried to fix valve spool twice with aftermarket parts. Aftermarket valve Spool (Dor...n) looks good and quality, but fails to seal. Leaking mess! Literally would not seal! Spewed oil everywhere!

Solved my leak by purchasing Genuine Honda. Use a quarter inch torque wrench and tighten in small increments. A mirror on the firewall also makes this job easier. Unfortunately, cleanup from previous oil leaks was slow and tedious. If you are frustrated, go to Honda Parts Now and pay for the real part. You will be done for your next 100k.

 

Sorry for taking so long to post back.

Cleaned up the spool valve real good. I cant see any visible cracks. My only theory is that there is a crack but perhaps inside where the bolt is so I can't see it?