HOW TO FIX AN OIL LEAK ON A HONDA GCV160 VALVE COVER

[@captronrv7]

That valve cover sealed from the factory is NEVER going to leak! Honda just doesn't do things this way! The leak comes from the O-ring on the camshaft shaft, the shaft protruding below the cylinder head with the half-moon end on it. The shaft is held in place by the tab on the valve cover. With the valve cover off, use pliers to gently pull the shaft out about a half inch to expose the O-ring. With small needle-nose pliers, pinch the old O-ring enough to have a hold on it and gently work it off the end of the shaft. If you have a Harbor Freight O-ring kit, the size you want is 010. It's a tiny bit thicker than the original, so grease it up and fit it onto the shaft. It will take a small amount of force to get the shaft and O-ring back into the cylinder head hole, but it will go in with a satisfying "snap"!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@emil1997h]

This needs to be pinned haha wish I read this before changing the valve cover it was indeed that small gasket on the pin
It’s a 6.​8x1.​9 o-ring and it’s for the cam pulley shaft

[@norge696]

Good video JB. I use the same gasket maker. Only thing I do differently is tip the engine back so the oil doesn't have to be drained. And when hand tightening I use a 6in extension bottom them out. Wait 60min. Torque to spec. Also the amount of people that DO NOT read the directions on gasket makers is mind blowing. Then they wonder why it leaks. Some have a cure time of 24 hours.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Norge! I figured I’d drain it because I did not know how much had leaked out. Definitely got to read those directions! Need to do it right! Did you see the white board?

[@omarmacias7001]

This is what i found out today as i was getting ready to redo valve cover , tilt power washer back in place to keep oil out of the way, there is also an o ring on camshaft for valves that leaked.replace it too.And that valve cover holds that shaft in place.so make sure that the flat part on shaft is facing valve cover .for a while i thought there was a missing part that holds that shat up in place . maybe thats why it leaked too after redid valve cover. U learn something new every day.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Omar!

[@choppa5300]

What’s the part number ? I’m looking for the size for the Oring ?

[@423co]

Watching this got my attention looking at the Honda engine. I thought🤔I got the same engine on my PW. However, mine is the HONDA 190 model. (HOMELITE 3500 psi 2.5 gpm HONDA 190) Looking at the HONDA parts manual, it seems the 160 and the 190 share the same part numbers. I have NEVER had a problem with the HONDA engine. My problems are always with the Homelite parts. Mainly the water pump🤬🤬🤬 Leaks and clogging up. Once I disconnected the soap tank, I solved the clogging problems. Now, the pump is leaking...AGAIN!🤬🤬🤬
JB, you asked what the fines were for water use violations here. None of my neighbors have got a fine, only warning tickets...so far. The commercial use water customers are the bulk of the violations. I'll try to get a water cop to give me more info. The breweries around here use A LOT H2O! 90 degrees here today, I may have to put on a jacket! Been in the 100's last week. Have a blessed-cool- weekend.

[@GarageGear]

Power washers are a never ending battle it seems lol! Too many parts for something to go wrong I guess. When you find out let me know what the fines are. They gotta be nuts. We’re coming up on 85 plus here this week. Pretty muggy too. Have a good week my friend!

[@TheLawnLover]

I have that same oil pump, such a handy tool for small engines like that. Great video JB!

[@GarageGear]

Right on! Can’t get the oil out by tipping it on this model or else it spills all over the wheel. The pump is perfect for this machine. Thanks for watching my friend! 👍

[@smallblock412]

For such a simple repair, I wonder how many people would junk it and buy a new one? Nice work buddy!

[@GarageGear]

I know right??? It makes you wonder. Only cost about $20 to fix as well. Thanks for watching bud! Enjoy the rest of your week! 👍

[@russhenry9232]

Very helpful video and helpful comments by others too. The oil leak is one of the issues I'm having with mine. The other is that while it's running it can't seem to maintain it's throttle - seems to increase & decrease in a rhythmic pattern every few seconds and sometimes after using it for like 5 minutes it will just shut off. Starts back up fine and I can use it again for a couple minutes before it shuts off again. Is that related to the oil leak or something with maybe the fuel filter or fuel pump or something? Sorry, I'm engine illiterate but trying to learn!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Russ! It sounds like you’re dealing with a carburetor/fuel issue. I would check the carburetor out to make sure it’s clean.👍

[@BigDaddysGarage]

Great video! Thank you, for all you do!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks My Man! Have an awesome week Flint!👍

[@anthonysimpson4084]

Thank you 🙏 now I can go and fixed mines

[@GarageGear]

Happy fixing! Thanks for watching

[@detaronrockydoo6957]

Appreciate the video. It would be great to have a video of the repair of the o-ring on the cam shaft....because mine needs it and i dont have a clue about cam shaft! Thanks😊

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching

[@jderickson3652]

A+ video man! Thanks for the straightforward walkthrough! Time to go clean everything!

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

I’ve got one of these things, but it has the GCV 190 engine with the idle down system where the engine only revs up when you squeeze the trigger. It’s been a pretty decent pump as far as Ryobi equipment goes.

[@GarageGear]

Hey BC! These are nice machines! No complaints on the pump on my end either. It does a decent job. Thanks for watching my friend! 👍

[@robertmurphy3608]

What i needed thank you 🙏🙏

[@GarageGear]

Glad it could help! Thanks for watching!

[@richcar3434]

My oil leak isnt from the cover.. it's from that little shaft with the half moon head that sticks out from under just behind/outside that cover.....I'm guessing thats a whole different tragedy.

[@GarageGear]

Yes that’s a different animal but you’ll still need to remove this cover to get at it. Thanks for watching!

[@choppa5300]

Replacement oring size ,part number ?

[@diazmike427]

Mine too

[@robertmurphy3608]

Did you figure out the fix? I think that's where my leak is coming from too

[@richcar3434]

@@robertmurphy3608 yea!..in another video..cant remember which but the short version is that you just remove the valve cover and you can pull that little half moon faced shaft out with a visegrip and replace a little o ring that it has and shove it back in...i took it a step further by covering it up with silicone after it was all done.

[@dginta7932]

These leaking Honda valve covers is now so common. Sad. Honda has sure taken a dump.

[@GarageGear]

It was a bad design on their part!

[@weschaffin]

New sub'er. Love this video! THis helped me with the issue with my unit.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! Glad this video helped you out! 👍

[@randalmorris2076]

Great video!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for being a cool fan as always Randal!

[@randalmorris2076]

@@GarageGear Thank you for making very relevant videos!

[@carhaulerdood]

When you wash the house do you have any special concoction for soap, or do you just use high pressure water? Washing the house is next on my list. Thanks for all the great videos and information!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Scott, I just use straight water! I always worry about that soap running off and harming my plants in my gardens. Water has never failed me and the house always comes clean. Great question and thanks for watching! 👍

[@rman8853]

Thanks for the great video!
I'm just curious why you did not mention using the original valve cover? We all like to save money right.
I understand it gets bent a little bit when you pry on it to get it off, but it's easy enough to straighten back out.
Please let us know, Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Hey Ruben, these covers are made of very this metal and can get bent very easily. It’s very easy to take them out of shape! One little bend in the right spot could lead to another leak. Buying a new one is cheap and highly recommended.

[@rman8853]

@@GarageGear Ah yes, I did notice that it is very thin and easy to dent and bend. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@GarageGear]

@@rman8853 no problem my friend 👍

[@jaybooth4815]

Great video JB! I’m just curious why there’s not a preformed gasket available instead of having to make one? If you really want to test it a little more, you’re welcome to power brush my driveway! Haha! Very informative video JB! Cheers my friend. Enjoy the pool today.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Jay! Initially when I started looking at it I thought there was a preformed gasket but found out that wasn’t the case. We could set up a power washing party lol! Thanks for watching my friend as always! Enjoy the warm weekend! 👍

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Great video, thanks for shearing

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate the positive feedback as always Kjell! 👍👍

[@dginta7932]

Someone should CNC some gaskets for these Hondas and sell them to the masses.

[@GarageGear]

Great idea!

[@DjDaveVoom]

Great Video JB !!!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks DAVE!!! Hope you are having a good so far bud! 👍

[@orange6092]

I was surprised that as long as you had the cover off, you didn't do a valve adjustment. You could have done it in like 5 minutes.

[@GarageGear]

This video just focused on the cover! Didn’t want to go down another road at the time of filming! Thanks for watching orange.

[@mwgrc]

I knew this wasn't going to be a manly video when you pulled the spark plug wire as to avoid and accidental start on a pull to start engine. Then you bent up the valve cover and replaced it which did not need to happen, then did zero diagnostics to see if it was the valve cover or was it the the seal on the timing pully shaft that extends through the head right under the timing belt at the bottom/middle/underneath directly behind the valve cover, which is what it is 99.999 % of the time. Other than that, great video, lol

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching

[@michaelmiller6843]

Great, informative video as always.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the positive feedback Michael! ROCK ON my friend! 👍

[@luisegallegos8120]

Gear la mía es una honda Simson y tu vídeo me ayudó demasiado mil gracias compa saludos desde La Luz Michoacán México

[@GarageGear]

Luis, can you translate this in English please?

[@ivald9952]

Did you use a gasket? I didn’t see one. Or is the permatex the gasket. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

The permatex is the gasket! Thanks for watching!

[@8307c4]

Hmmm, I wonder if on a GX120 I can use Permatex red.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching

[@luisegallegos8120]

Chingon, make a video with a Honda pressure washer,porfavor saludos desde Michoacán México

[@GarageGear]

Hey Luis, I’ll have to get my hands on one! Thanks for watching!

[@js12278]

And I was all ready for an hour long Garage Gear video from JB. 😂

[@GarageGear]

Haha I could do an hour long video but there would be a lot of boring parts for sure! You know me I like to get to the point! What do you got planned this weekend JS?

[@js12278]

@@GarageGear right now I’m dealing with a beetle infestation on my birch tree. I’ve applied a 5 gallon mix of Bio Advanced tree and shrub treatment. This stuff is fantastic. Then it’s pool time for sure!! 🍹 🏊‍♀️ 🏖

[@GarageGear]

@@js12278 knock ‘em dead my friend! Enjoy the pool! 👍

[@vincentgregory8070]

Great this is the model I have so I took good notes! Thanks buddy

[@GarageGear]

You got it Vincent! 👍 YOU DA MAN!

[@Paul-sq7lw]

Go easy with that gasket maker, bud!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching paul

[@whosonfirst1309]

So instead of a rubber/paper/ any kind of actual gasket they send the cover?

[@GarageGear]

You’ll have to use the gasket maker to create a gasket seal.

[@DB-xe7tc]

Does most of the oil leak from valve cover while the engine isn't running. My gcv190 sat through winter and the oil level dropped below low level mark.

[@GarageGear]

Mine leaked when it wasn’t running!

[@DB-xe7tc]

@@GarageGear Thank you

[@KempCanThrust]

Was that a camelbak? We used one for the indy 500 this year, sure got our money out of it just on that use alone!

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah! Super handy! I take it hiking so my hands are freed up! Don’t have to carry a water bottle then! Great for anything outdoors! Enjoy your weekend Daniel!

[@whatisthis9495]

So it is the cover itself? It feels like mine is leaking out the little half moon thing right behind it

[@GarageGear]

Hey Chris! My issue was with the cover but I have seen them leak from the half moon piece you’re speaking of. Haven’t done a repair on that as of yet. That could be a complicated repair because that piece is controlling an internal part or two. I believe it’s a small seal going bad. Could be wrong though. You may want to have a shop look at it for a second opinion. Let me know if you find out anything. Thanks for watching!

[@choppa5300]

Got same concern?

[@GarageGear]

@@choppa5300 oh man! Sounds like there’s a common issue forming with these.

[@richgorkes2284]

@@GarageGear Yes....my little half moon thing is leaking also. Can you do a TH-cam on repairing an oil leak on that?

[@GarageGear]

@@richgorkes2284 well see come spring time! Thanks for watching

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

What If oil I'd kn the carburetor and wet the filter up . Wha could be the issue.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Rayon, just to be clear is it oil on the air filter or gas? Thanks for watching!

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

@@GarageGear oil ..sorry for the late reply..the filter has some oil .a part on the filter dark. And I saw some in corb. Don't kno why that happened.

[@GarageGear]

@@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106 my guess is that your engine is somehow getting oil into the cylinder and pushing it back toward the carb. Might be time for a new engine. I’d have to see it to get a better idea.

[@ronstrong9560]

You actually HAVE or can find, 10mm sockets?

[@GarageGear]

Got two!!! I know… I’m a unicorn!… thanks for watching Ron!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Nice fix JB!
I hope no carbon monoxide nazis chime in about the machine running in the garage. 🤣🤣

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Paul! We have a cardinal rule in our house! Absolutely no oil spills on the driveway. So I ran it at the end of the garage with the exhaust pointing out just in case it wanted to leak it would leak on the already multi stained garage floor. Happy wife happy life… Enjoy the rest of your weekend my man!

[@Dupray__]

Right underneath the valve cover there is a little tab that can be pulled down or pushed up. What is that? Sorry if it’s a dumb question I do not know much about mechanics. 4:54

[@GarageGear]

Hey vn! If I’m thinking the same tab that you are I cannot pull or push that half moon shaped tab on my engine. I believe it helps hold a part under the cover in place. Sorry I cannot be more help. Thanks for watching!

[@Dupray__]

@@GarageGear yes it’s the same tab you’re referring to! Mine I can push and pull a little bit which is weird. What is that?

[@GarageGear]

@@Dupray__ I believe that holds a gear in place. But I’m not sure. I don’t think that is supposed to wiggle or move like you are experiencing.

[@mardegan86]

​@Drake Dupre I know what ur saying. Mine not only moves up and down but also it's leaking oil from it. Pressure washer works fine tho. Trying to find a video on how to fix that but having no luck.

[@Dupray__]

@@mardegan86 so try changing the camshaft o ring, that fixed my leak. When putting it back in I tapped the camshaft a few times to make sure it was secured. No leaks anymore.

[@lubacotemobile]

Video adjusting unloading of gun?

[@GarageGear]

What part?

[@lubacotemobile]

@@GarageGear Mine pressure washer stalls when releasing trigger.

[@GarageGear]

@@lubacotemobile 🤔… I would say your carburetor might need a look but perhaps your pump as well! If you clean the carb and it’s still doing it you can rule that out.

[@omarmacias7001]

i did this fix, bent old cover back to original shape used same valve cover permatex it still leaked! WILL USE HONDA BOND HT. THIS TIME

[@GarageGear]

Let me know how it works out for you Omar!

[@RoboGeeeeeek]

Replace the o-ring on the end of the cam pulley shaft, that's where mine is leaking (91301-ZMO-V31)

[@ryanmullins715]

Awesome video have the same engine but on a lawnmower, I got new valve cover did gasket and still it leaked it was the CAMSHAFT PULLEY O-ring, it’s for the gv160 Honda motor,

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Ryan!

[@HELPTHEMPLEASE]

I have the same issuer with. MY RYOBII 3300 PSI WASHER
OIL ON PAN UNDER MOTOR … small leak. Under valve cover

[@GarageGear]

Pain in the butt huh? Thanks for sharing!

[@HELPTHEMPLEASE]

@@GarageGear ooo yea. It time since I e on,y used it once 😫

[@GarageGear]

@@HELPTHEMPLEASE oh no! That’s crazy it’s having this issue!

[@Pingaheimer]

why waste money on a new valve cover?

[@GarageGear]

Because the other one gets bent in the process. Thanks for watching.

[@iowafox2206]

I keep hearing that the GCV160 motors are junk motors. I honestly don't believe that I have one that is on my push mower and it's a great little machine. I got it second hand and it was not taken care of very well by the previous owner. I use it weekly now and it runs and starts great. I don't see why they get called junk motors.

[@davidheinzmann4403]

I have one on my Husqvarna lawn mower..Well maintained fill with fresh oil. Shut engine off ate lunch and filled with gas. Would not start. Sprocket separated from cam! Worst part was that it cost me $55 to find out that it was uneconomical to repair and that they had never seen this before!

[@GarageGear]

Not sure! I’ve heard this once before! I too got this second hand and it needed some TLC. Maybe because this is their lower end engine perhaps?

[@GarageGear]

@@davidheinzmann4403 thanks for sharing this David! 👍

[@luisegallegos8120]

Y sabes la mía comenzó aventar humo q ago al respecto a eso,porfa dime q si se puede... Saludos

[@GarageGear]

Luis, can you translate this in English please?

[@Eightball2516]

Why a new cover and not just use the old one.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Don! The old cover could have been the cause of the leak plus the cover gets bent to hell when you try to remove them. They are like tin and bend easy! Thanks for watching!

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

What was HONDA thinking on this engine.
Why didn't they put a gasket on these GCV160s like other honda engines so if you need to adjust the valves you can pull the cover easily.
Poor design by Honda.
I am working on the same motor and its popping and backfiring so I'm sure it's a valve issue.

[@GarageGear]

Not sure exactly! Could be a better design! Thanks for watching!

[@appleztooranges]

My brand new Honda hrx217hya mower is leaking. Had my dealer repair it with Honda bond but leak continues. Debating on doing this myself. 5 year warranty. What you recommend?

[@GarageGear]

I would let them deal with it bud! If it’s under warranty let them handle the problem. Hopefully it can fixed. 👍 how’s everything else going?

[@appleztooranges]

@@GarageGear not too bad! Had to put my dog down few weeks ago and that was tough. Like a family member. Stressful with this Honda mower too haha. I had this leak, starting issues (thermowax was bad) and slow drive (I adjusted cable). Just annoying when you pay $1k for it

[@GarageGear]

@@appleztooranges sorry to hear my friend. That’s a difficult thing to go through. They are definitely part of the family!
Crazy your mower has been acting up right out of the box.

[@maniacmattmtl]

The fake enthusiasm is a little nauseating. Video feels like a late night infomercial. Just be you.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching