Hello all,

I am new to these forums because I am desperate. I have a 1999 Honda accord lx 4 cylinder in almost perfect condition. The only problem is oil is leaking like crazy. It just started leaking probably around Thanksgiving of 2013 and I noticed it when I went to move my car and there were puddles of oil on the ground. I have done a fair amount of research on this and so far I have changed the valve cover gasket, the oil distributor O-ring and that's it. That helped a lot with oil leaking around the valve cover. Now, I just changed the valve cover gasket again(because I broke a bolt and did not realize it). I filled the oil all the way to where it is supposed to be. I drove it 15 to my college, let it sit all day and before interned it back on, I checked the dip stick and it was down by 75%...I drove it home, and when I got home I let it sit for 1 hour and I when I looked under the car, there was a really big puddle of fresh oil. I have done some reading online about this and so far I am getting pointed in many different directions.

Just to put it out there, my timing belt is good. It was changed at 120k miles and I currently have 165 k miles. Could this be the oil pan gasket? What could this be? I am in college and don't have money for the shop. I am an engineering student so I am very familiar with numbers and mechanics but I cannot figure this one out. Please help somebody.

Thank you,

JD

 

Obviously, you will need to clean up the area of the leak using engine degreaser, take it for a spin, then see where it's leaking from. If anything, take lots of detailed pics at that point and let us see what's going on. It's going to depend on where it's leaking from obviously.

 

Yep, no one is going to have a clue where the leak is coming from based on your description and throwing money at random gaskets and parts isn't going to help anything.

Go to AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts and pick up something like EngineBrite or Purple Power or any other degreaser they have then spray down the whole engine and rinse it off - you might need a scrub brush to really get it clean if it's been caked on.

Start the car up after it's been cleaned and then take it for a quick spin and see where you're leaking from.

 

if it's gushing out like that, it should be easy to find...

Where are the seals and gaskets on this engine?

On the passenger side: Up top, distributor O-ring (common) - there is a seal inside it that can go bad, too. Down below, rear main seal.

On the driver side: Cam, crank, oil pump, and balance shaft seals on the driver's side under the timing belt cover. Balance shaft seal is notorious for popping out and causing major oil loss.

On the firewall side: VTEC solenoid gasket (common), oil filter

On the front: nothing... dipstick?

On the top: Valve cover and tubes

On the bottom: Oil pan, drain plug

Don't forget the head gasket.

Missing anything?

 

^^ yup u forgot the oil pressure switch next to the oil filter