Today I took a look under my 1990 Accord and there seemed to be a very big oil leak. From what I could see it was coming from the oil filter. Has anyone experience this before? Will changing the oil filter fix the problem or can it be something else? Any info would be great.

 

Best idea would be to remove the filter, inspect the gasket, put it back on if it's okay and proceed to cleaning the engine, then look for a leak afterwards. Do you have an oil cooler? (oil cooler is the sandwich plate thing between the filter and the block). If you have a cooler, it's possible the o-ring has gone bad which is pretty common on H22s/B18Cs.

 

Will oil leak out if I remove the oil filter without emptying the oil from the car???

 

... and inspect the area where the oil filter goes to make sure there isn't a little bit of old gasket stuck to the engine.

As far as whether oil will come out - I have no idea, but if it is about time for an oil change for your car just drain the oil first.

 

This is what I'd be suggesting as well, probably just a burnt on piece of gasket from an old filter.

And yes oil will come out when you take the filter off.

 

If it is an EX, it will have the oil cooler and there is a seal between it and the block. The other common problem is the oil pressure switch which is just above the oil filter on the block. If this is leaking, disconnect the wire, remove it, put some thread sealant on it, reinstall, and reconnect the wire.

 

I am losing a lot of oil now, I just checked earlier and my oil level has dropped dramatically. I don't think it's safe to drive my car at the moment. Does anyone have a diagram of the oil cooler or at least a step by step of how to remove it and check if it is still good. Also, is the oil pressure sending unit easy to reach and spot from the top or do you have to be under the car to spot it...