Lubrication is important in engines because this is what literally keeps vehicles running smoothly. To keep engine components sliding along each other, oil is pumped up the pushrods and then dispersed beneath the valve cover to lubricate the rocker arms. Drain-back holes along the engine head let the oil drip back down to the oil pan to recirculate.

Underneath the hood of your Honda, this closed system is shut from dirt and debris by a Honda valve cover, and is sealed by a Honda valve cover gasket. The valve cover acts like the lid of your pressure cooker. If you look beneath this pressure cooker lid, you will notice a band of silicone or rubber running along the inner circumference of the lid. This is the gasket that makes the lid air-tight. The Honda valve cover gasket, however, keeps the valve cover oil-tight.

As with all car parts that protect other components from damage, Honda valve covers and Honda valve cover gaskets are prone to impairment themselves. If the oil is not changed regularly, sludge can accumulate in the drain-back holes and hold back the recirculation process. This makes the oil build up in the valve cover longer and exert more pressure on the gasket. Excess pressure is normally released by a valve, but if this valve is restricted, the oil gasket can “blow out” to let this pressure escape. Once this happens, an oil leak occurs, causing oil to be drained from the engine, which then leads to internal damage. Spotting an oil leak is easy: puddles form under the car and drip while being driven. Other symptoms usually include smoke and a burning smell. The longer you wait to fix it, the higher the cost of repairs will be. If your gasket is causing the leak, replace it right away with a brand-new and high-quality Honda valve cover gasket.