Twingst

Front Valve Cover
Rear Valve Cover
Hi guys,
Happy Holidays. 2017-12-01
First off, I want to thank everyone on Acurazine for amazing tips and help. I've used Acurazine for various helpful DIY tips in the past. This is my first time replying/posting to a problem. And I apologize in advance for my noob-ness, and one long unorganized story.

As you can see in the pictures, my car is 2G 2005 RL with 140K miles.
Earlier this year, I noticed an oil burn smell. The weather was cold that day. I had thought it was brake fluid leak from steering pump (I had O-ring issue on the 2001 MDX steering pump, and had the same smell couple winters past). It was also making that whirling sound when you steer in cold weather. I didnt see any noticeable leak from the pump, but went ahead and tried to change the O-Ring in RL's steering pump. When I took the reservoir hose off (Acura probably had learned of the issue by 2005 model), O-Ring was already in the RL's steering pump. Then I saw oil on exhaust manifold. I couldn't locate the exact source of its leak. The weather got warmer, and the smell went away until this fall. Couple months ago, I saw a white bluish smoke near the exhaust manifold cover. I didnt want to think it was gasket problem, as I was out of job and was too afraid to take the car to a shop. Since no work meant, not having to drive the car, I kept the issue off my mind to focus on finding myself a job. I finally found work last week, and decided to take the RL to California. As I am getting the RL ready to be shipped from Texas, I noticed excessive amount of white bluish smoke. It smelled of the same oil. I should have been bold and tackled the gasket issue during my off time... except I was too afraid I would do more harm than good (I can do some simple maintenances like changing alternator, steering pump, fuel pump, suspensions, but too afraid to touch the engine).
Took the car to the nearest mechanic and they were quoting ridiculous price of $450 for valve gasket. 8 hours later, they call me and said the valve cover is broken. Both front and back. As shown in pictires above, they are broken at the spark plugs. They said the oil was yay high into the plug boots. It didn't make any sense to me as I never had misfire, but perhaps the boots kept the oil off and metal cover ignited the gas without tripping any sensor? I have no clue.

Is this possible? They said the front valve cover is $289 and found one 4 hours away in Dallas. They haven't located the rear valve cover and asked me if I can salvage one from eBay or a junk yard. :0 I was speechless. Probably more so, cus I am flying out this weekend.

Any help is appreciated. Yes... I am f***(d.




cars own/owned:
1991 Acura Integra GS
2001 Acura MDX Touring
2002 Acura TL Type S
2005 Acura RL
2008 Acura MDX Tech
2017 Acura MDX Tech

projektvertx

iTrader: (2)

Welcome! Sorry your first post had to be such a big problem. It seems like a new valve cover from Acura would run you about the same price that they are quoting you:

https://www.shopacuraparts.com/oem-p...RoCVZ0QAvD_BwE

You'd also have to get all the oil seal for it too:

https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...ad=47433947772

I might be omitting some parts here, and maybe someone can chip in, but it seems like 289$ for ONE used valve cover is a lot!!

truonghthe

The front valve cover is easy to replace, I had to removed mine since the PCV valve plastic brittle over time broke and stuck in the valve cover I had to remove the front valve cover. I had lot of experience remove valve cover because my old J30A1 accord EGR port keep log up.

Twingst

Projekt, Thanks! They are charging me California price in Texas. FML...
I am going to do my best to focus on my new work. Maybe it will magically be perfected with money.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

$289 for a valve cover. Typical mechanic markup. I understand that they need to make money, but you can always save money by finding it yourself. Problem is, not all mechanics will install parts you bring in.

You can get it brand new for $167 from various Acura OEM parts sites: https://www.acurapartsforless.com/au...d-cover-1-scat. Granted, it looks like you'll need to purchase two - back and front. Part 12310-RJA-000 and part 12320-RJA-000