THE M4CHIN3

Im not exactly a Noob but slightly seasoned.

I recently acquired a 98 Honda Civic EX (D16Y8 VTEC with S40 5 Speed Manual Trans)

My concerns in short are the following.

1. Noticing what feels and sounds like a jerking sound when I release the clutch after shifting up and down, off hand I think its my Radiator moving around when I clutch out to complete a shift, I should mention the jerk is not the car's fault as up until I owned it a few days ago I had only ever driven a 10 speed double clutch 18 wheeler before. feeling it in the shift linkage as well. my trans does not pop out of gears and shifts much smoother then this normally when I clutch out slower and smoother. other then the sound or feeling no problems or issues.

2. how reliable is the rear main oil seal on these? Im noticing oil leaking from the bottom and cant tell for certain if its the oil pan or what I believe to be where the trans and engine meet. More thinking its the oil pan gasket then the rear main seal leaking. I know oil has a way of spreading out wide and being misleading where it collects. Also Iam thinking seal either in the camshaft where it meets the distributor or the o-ring in the same area on the distributor needs replaced as Ive noticed oil leaking from that area and when i removed the distributor oil was present and very slowly and steadily leaking from what Iam guessing is the cam seal.

3. What should I preemptively replace part or gasket wise on this engine (D16Y8) at 207000 miles.I believe in preventive maintenance (Both parents were Machinists in the Navy)

4.Your Awesome for reading this post and I appreciate any replies!

fonkernuckle

iTrader: (5)

Its quite possible its the rear main seal. I just changed one on the same exact year and model. some say clean the area well and talcum or baby powder the areas and then diagnose leaks. I have never done this myself though.
Take a look at the timing belt by removing the valve cover and see how worn it looks and replace if the teeth look worn or I just look at the back of the belt and if it looks pretty worn (marks visible going across the belt)
If the valves are noisy I would check the valve clearance other than that if it ain't broke don't fix it. I have done preemptive stuff in the past and it has been more trouble than help.

HondaPartsHero

You can also buy an additive to add that glows under a black light for the oil. Just make sure to clean the areas really well before you use it.