Engine oil leak at bottom?

Tiny
MANNY3700
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
I replaced the O ring gasket but it still leaks. What is the tort pressure on the bolts (3). It seems that it is leaking from the bottom bolt.
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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 12:33 AM

32 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Doesn't seem to have specific torq. Here is partial procedure for distributor and o-ring replacement.

Using a new O-ring, install it on the distributor shaft. Coat it lightly with clean engine oil.
The drive lugs in the end of the distributor shaft are slightly offset to match the offset in the end of the camshaft. Position the distributor shaft for an approximate match, then fit the distributor in place.
Make certain the drive lugs are correctly engaged and the O-ring is in place. Install the retaining bolts centered in the mounts and just snug enough to hold the distributor in place.
Reconnect the external wiring and install the spark plug wires. Double check their placement.
Start the engine and set the timing. Tighten the distributor bolts.

It isn't the main seal leaking is it?
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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 1:05 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
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Hello

Great info from bluelightnin6

If you are talking about the hold down bolt torque for the distributor it is:

Hold down bolt torque 18 Nm (13 ft lb)

Please let us know if this was the fix for your vehicle or what was so we can better assist others.

This guide can help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, November 17th, 2008 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
MANNY3700
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  • 6 POSTS
I have replaced the: valve cover gasket, distributor O-ring; and both gaskets on the V-tec solenoid on the back of the engine. The bottom of the v-tec solenoid has oil on it everytime after running the engine driving it like normal for 5 minutes. Could this be the main seal you were talking about? I think it might be leaking from somewhere else on the back of the engine but near the v-tec solenoid.
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 12:32 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
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Hello -

I know bluelightnin6, was working with you on this. . ..but he may be tied up since there hasn't been any response to your question. So if you don't mind I may add some suggestions until he can get back with you.

Review of what you are looking at is an oil leak it appears. The main seal I am almost positive is too far down below the VTEC.

The VTEC is located on the cylinder head. My thought is it may be leaking out of the solenoid itself or the pressure switch that is threaded into the VTEC solenoid housing.

My suggestion since you have replaced the VTEC seals is I attached the info I have on that just so you can make sure you and I are talking about the same ones.

Next, there is a filter on the VTEC. . ...did you clean it?

Next - I would remove the pressure switch and place thread tape on it and put it back in.

Oil leaks are tuff. . .. . .once you have cleaned it. . ..use electrical cleaner for terminal boards. . .it is not as harsh and evaporates. . ...spray it all down really good so it is totally dry.

Start the vehicle and with a mirror and strong light just stare at it. Give it time. . .if you say it takes about 5 minutes then you know you need to wait at least that long. If you want, use the spray first and see if you can locate the leak before you take it all apart.

I show the dealer wants about $147 for the solenoid and about $68 for the switch. Again, it may be leaking out of one of these or the threads.

Let me know what you find out.

Oh, one last note. . ...you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you. I attached them last.

VTEC Solenoid Inspection
Notes

Disconnect the 1P connector from the VTEC Solenoid Valve.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_1_93.jpg



Measure resistance between the Terminal and body ground. Resistance: 14 - 30 ohms .


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_2_54.gif



If the resistance is within specifications, remove the VTEC Solenoid Valve assembly from the Cylinder Head, and check the VTEC Solenoid Valve filter/O-ring for clogging.
If there is clogging, replace the Engine Oil Filter and the Engine Oil.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_3_43.jpg



If the Filter is not clogged, push the VTEC Solenoid Valve with your finger and check its movement.
If the VTEC Solenoid Valve is normal, check the Engine Oil pressure.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture5_9.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Picture6_9.jpg

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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Sorry about that guys. I have been wrapped up for most of the weekend because of the holiday. Thanks ImpalaSS for helping out while I was busy.

Manny3700, I hope that the great info. ImpalaSS has given you will help cure your oil leak and sorry I could not respond quick enough.
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Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
MANNY3700
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Ok, the part has stopped leaking. Here's what I did to fix it. When I tightened the solenoid back onto the car, I tightened the bolt on the bottom and the top bolt on the driver side more than the top bolt on the passenger side. This makes up for there not being a fourth bolt on the bottom driver side. Problem solved! Thank you both for your assistance with this problem.
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Friday, December 12th, 2008 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
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Hello -

Great - glad you got it fixed!

Let us know if we can help you in the future..... Make sure you tell your friends about us.

Hey, don't forget to check the dealer on those recalls...

Have a great weekend.
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Friday, December 12th, 2008 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
MRHODES101
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If the sloenoid is clogged getting an oil change with new oil filter will fix the problem or do you still need to clean the solenoid out?
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Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
MSFFLETCH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1995 HONDA ACCORD
  • 300,000 MILES
I have replaced the oil pan gasket, vtec solenoid seal, sending unit, and valve cover gasket. Cant see no signs under the distributor. Had the engine out of the car about six months ago replacing timing belts, seals and even the rear main seal. Now Im stumped.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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What I suggest is to get a dye to add to the oil. Add it, drive it, and then using a black light it will help you locate where the leak is coming from.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MSFFLETCH
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I did that too and no help. Could the head gasket leak oil and not cause anymore problems other than just leaking oil?
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It could be leaking, but usually not.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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For this engine the head gasket would not leak without affecting the engine.

If oil is splattered all over, clean it up and recheck the source of the leak. If you do not see any external leaks from above and is only coming from between the transmission and engine joint, you have a leak with the rear main seal. During replacement of the seal if the crankshaft had been damaged or the seal not correctly, you would have the problem. The other thing that can caus this is the crankshaft where the seal lips are seated are worn and the new seal is seated onto it.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
REDDISHS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1995 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 248,000 MILES
My Honda has been leaking oil for a while now. When I looked under the car the oil is in the area to the far right of the oil pan. The oil pan mounts left to right with the drain plug on the left hand side under the timing belt. I thought it was the oil pan gasket so I replaced it twice. The oil builds up on the right hand side of the oil pan near two seperate guards I have to remove along with the exhaust and an underbody guard. The leak is not much maybe about a quart every two months but I would like to get it fixed.

Thanks
Shane
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
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Have you looked under the timing cover at two potential leak areas? They include the crankshaft seal and the oil pump.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MSFFLETCH
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I will try this and get back to you. Thanks
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
REDDISHS
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  • 5 POSTS
The oil is actually dripping from the oil pan on the opposite side of the timing belt. I can send pictures if that will help?
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AJBENTON
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  • 3 POSTS
Could it be leaking from the distributor?
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
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A couple of other things to think about. For instance, oil will travel down a path that it finds and that is usually the path of least resistance. I would start looking up. For instance, there is a seal at the other end of the block between the tranny and the block on the crankshaft. I am ruling out the oil pan and the oil pan gasket. Also, on the back side of the block are a coule of hoses that oil flows through. Check for any cracking on the hoses.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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If the leak is from upper portion of trans, yes, it would be from the distributor.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM (Merged)

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