The Motor: 84.5mm b20 block + B16 head

The Problem: There is an oil leak coming from the driver side of the block, near the head gasket. The problem is I can't really tell if the leak is coming from the head gasket or the cam seals that are behind the cam gears because the rear timing cover is preventing me from getting a good look. Hopefully by posting pictures, someone could assist me in determining exactly where the leak is coming from.

The Pictures

The arrow is pointing to the leak


It's dripping behind the timing cover and running down the block


Here's a slightly different angle


You can barely see the oil there because the oil is new. That little spot is right below the head. That's why I think it maybe the head gasket not completely sealing.


The leak is a constant drip. I really hope its not the head gasket because I just had to get the head gasket replaced last week due to bending valves :crys:. Overall the motor runs very strong, so I really don't want to have to take the head off if I don't have to.

 

Doesnt really look like its leaking much i would pull the v cover off and check the cam seals and if its not that check your v cover gasket then last look if its the headgasket.

 

The motor looses 1 quart per 350 miles, so it's pretty bad. I took the valve cover off but couldn't really see much because of the rear timing cover/cam gears :/

 

you sure its leaking that much or burning it? thats alot of oil to be losing is it a fresh motor?

 

I had a similar leak. Turned out to be the valve cover gasket. It's worth a shot, if it works it's a cheap easy fix.

 

If its burning that much oil i would say it's the head gasket.

Does it smoke?

Is it a fresh rebuild?

 

whats your p2w clearence?

 

I do not believe it is burning oil. The car does not smoke at all and runs really strong.

 

I replaced it once already, and it doesn't appear to be leaking from it.

 

I don't believe it is burning oil. The car runs damn near perfect and is not smoking what so ever. The motor has 800miles on it so far because I have to drive it.

The leak is a constant drip (and is relatively bad) coming from the area that I pointed out in the picture. Could the cam seals leak badly in that area? I basically posted just to see if anyone had a similar leak with their ls/vtec (or b20/vtec). I'm trying to pinpoint the leak before I decide to take it to the shop, so I won't get overcharged.

 

With you adding that much oil i would think it's not the cam seal, you would tell immediately.

 

Did you ever find out where the leak was? I hit a draining pot....on a unfinished road. It pushed into my block in the same area and pushed in the plastic...it is the same area that you pointed out in your pictures. I may take the pulleys and plastic off and see what it is. Sounds like the leak you are describing. Engine has only 11k on it....every new seal you can think of....runs strong just like yours....sucks...keep you updated

 

I found and fixed the leak! It was the exhaust cam seal. My friends and I pulled the timing belt and replaced both seals, and BAM leak gone! (Too bad a vibration started as soon as we got everything done *shakes head*)

 

lmfao fix one thing goes thru another lol