Hey guys,

I have a '93 Accord SE that has developed a major oil leak (to the point where I've stopped driving it until it gets fixed). It looks like it's coming from the front of the engine, around the general vicinity of the water pump. Any likely suspects? I need to take it in and have the timing belt changed anyway, so I'm hoping it's one of those related seals. I'd just like to figure out the problem before it goes in.

 

sounds like it could be the front balance shaft seal. It's near the water pump. There was a service bulletin on that, they installed a seal retainer on there to keep it from back out. If it backs out it can pump the oil out very quick and cause engine damage.

Other seals in that area are the camshaft oil seal and the crankshaft oil seal, though the crankshaft would be lower than the water pump and the camshaft would be higher than the water pump.

 

Ah, okay that makes sense. I'm going to have it towed into the shop next week; I'll keep you guys posted on what happens!

 

if you'd like to see what the retainer looks like, check out my timing belt how-to located in the FAQ up top. I have pictures that show the retainer as well as everything else in the timing belt area.

 

Wow, that's one complete write-up you've got there. However, since I don't have a heated garage, and I'm lacking some of the major tools needed, I'll let the boys down at the shop take care of it. The good thing is that no matter which of those seals is leaking, they all get replaced with the timing belt job.

 

thanks

can't blame you there, it's cold out. I leave my kerosene heater running just about non-stop to keep the garage warm. I just moved in in September so I will be hopefully doing some work out there this summer to make being out there in the winter more comfortable.