My '96 Accord has just started leaking some oil. I got under the car and can't really tell where it is coming from. It is covering the engine block pretty good. It's definitely above the oil pan, and possibly above or at the filter. The highest point I could see oil on was a tube (going to the heater core, I believe) just above the oil filter. There was no oil on the intake manifold.

The weather has been very cold up here (CT) for the first time this winter, if that means anything.

















Thanks for any help.

 

The oil pressure sending unit is above the oil filter; common leak point.
Get a can of spray brake clean and blast down the entire rear of the block, then run the engine at mid RPM for 5-10 min then go look for the leak.
I know it's harder to tell where the leak is when there is oil splattered everywhere.
Just be sure it isn't coming from under the timing belt cover.

 

you could also check the oil filter the old gasket could have been stuck to the block causing the oil to leak between the filter and the block.

 

Thanks hondadude.
I cleaned off the engine block and then drove around for ~15min. When I jacked up the car there was some oil on the pressure sensor and the black tube just below it. Looks like you were right.

So should I replace the pressure sensor, or will just tightening / reseating work? Should I teflon the threads?

To get it out, it seems like I can just pull the wire out and use a socket to unscrew it, is that correct? I can't find instructions on how to do it, and I'm working blind because the oil filter is in the way.

Thanks again guys.

 

replace it..... 24mm socket, you might have to crack the rubber boot on one side to get it and the connector off.
Remove the oil filter to make life easier.
I always count the turns coming off and reinstall the new one the same depth. One place I worked a guy twisted one off putting it in and that was a real nitemare to fix.
Use some hondabond or ultragray on the threads of the new unit.

 

This area also looks like the residue from the cam seal leaking - it was on mine anyway. The backing cover around the cam gear has a deflecting alley to redirect a cam seal leak around to the back of the engine. Nice design - keeps the oil off of the timing belt which can cause it to fail: timing belt failure = bent valves = head job = $800+

 

I agree with hondadude...Replace it. I just replaced my oil pressure sending unit on my '94 Accord. The part was less than $10 from the dealer. I found it a pretty easy repair as long as you remove the oil filter -- there's not much room to work with. The one I bought had locking compound already on it. If it doesn't already, just put a lil' plumbers tape around it