ashtonallen

Last year, I had to have my engine replaced. It was replaced with an overseas engine with 45k miles. The work was done just 13 months ago and I have driven the car 12,000 miles. Last week, I noticed quite a bit of oil around the engine so I took it to a different shop in town with a very good reputation for working on Honda's. The shop advised there are minor leaks in the rear main seal & the exhaust manifold gasket. I drive the car gently and take good care of it. My question is should both of these seals already failed? The shop where the work was initially done is a small independent shop who specializes in Honda service. I don't want to drive around a car that leaks oil. My second question is whether it is reasonable to take the car back to the original shop and request the work be done for free. Thanks Ahead, Ashton

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

First off, the "JDM 45k miles engine" story is unverifiable bullshit. Hate to break it to you, but it's a lie that literally every engine importer tells, based off a blatant misreading of Japanese law (which is made even more hilarious by the fact that a lot of these imported engines don't even come from Japan). Second off, no, it's not reasonable to expect them to replace your rear main seal, with completely unknown miles on it, for free.

ashtonallen

i'm sure you are right. the engine seemed much older than 45k and didn't run that smoothly. anyway, wouldn't the rear main seal have been replaced when they installed the engine and therefore only have 12K miles of use? my memory may serve me incorrectly, but i'm thinking i paid for the new seals?

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

If you paid for new seals, then it should have been replaced. That doesn't necessarily mean you did, though. This is why you should always keep all paperwork related to your car, including all maintenance records and receipts.

ashtonallen

i'm pretty sure i have the paperwork - just have to do a little digging. in your opinion, how long should a rear main seal replacement last?

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Depends entirely on what seals were used. If it's an OEM seal, I'd expect 5-10 years or 80-100k miles out of it.

ashtonallen

yea, they definitely don't use oem stuff. thank you for taking the time; i really appreciate your help! - ashton

tony_2018

What I usually do is this, I order all seals needing to be replace. If a shope is replacing the engine i ask them for the old part back to confirm that it was done. I also ask that it be put in the receipt that so and so part was replaced.

Now if you want to be even more sure you would allow the shop to order the parts and have them replace it. But the catch is you need to ask them what is the warranty on the part they will use. Don't assume anything always ask. Some shops put up a big *** sign about 90 day warranty or whatever the heck, but you need to ask them about the details.

ashtonallen

Thank you for the advice. I'm learning as I'm going so this is very helpful