GibsonNO!

I have an oil leak on my car coming from the drivers side of the engine. I was wondering where this car normally leaks oil in this area from and I know to look around the area requires removing the valve cover and other various covers. Just wondering if anyone else has done this and how much work is involved before I go in to explore the leak further. The leak is a constant drip in a 97 prelude base.

VTecLude1994

iTrader: (1)

I'd say cam seals. If so just plan on doing a timing belt job.

ROM_lude

i have the same prob
so when u get an answer let me know

jzobie1

Try the valve cover, they love to leak and make it look like other things are leaking. Mine leaked out the back corner of the valve cover into the timing belt cover along the seam and I could not trace it up from the oil pan because of that. I eventually replaced the valve cover gasket and all was well.

teambk8

do those then clean the engine bay and see if it still leaks. I believe there are kits out there where you can put some stuff in your oil to make it viewable with a uv light or those yellow glasses or something... I would replace the valve cover gasket (or inspect it and use some sealant on it when u put the cover back on depending on your budget) then clean and inspect... good luck. If it turns out to be the cam seals, do the timing belt and tensioner while you are at it.

mattsnooz

yeah, oil and timing belt is a bad combo. Thats a new motor usually! Or rebuild

slammed95lude

try right where the filter attaches there is a gasket on the back of the cooler towards the block....it leaks on every H22

ShoofIsLudin

the oil cooler is in the center of the block. It usually drips onto the exhaust, pressure switch and/or o2 sensor if its the oil cooler o-ring (not gasket)

Definately check the valve cover, and try to trace the leak.

I'd make sure ur oil pan bolts and nuts are snugged up, and make sure ur drain bolt on the oil pan isn't leaking.

GibsonNO!

Oil cooler gasket replaced, oil pan removed checked for leaks and cracks turned out good, oil pan re-installed new gasket, I also retapped the oil plug for a slightly larger bolt since the jackass before me thought silicone would fix a stripped oil plug. That's what I have down so far to narrow down my search. Has anyone replaced cam seals I was just wondering the amount of time it takes I'm in school and would like to know if this is a weekend job or wait until x-mas when I have more time since I need my car to get to campus.

vinuneuro

It's the equivalent of a timing belt job, plus having to remove the cam gears from the cams.

jzobie1

Dude, seriously, before you start ripping your motor apart more spend 10 minutes and $10 replacing the valve cover gasket.