Has an auto tranny. Recently did the oil change and the drain plug was not closing tight, so replaced it with a self tapping drain plug. That fixed that leak but now have 5 more, 3 from the oil pan in the first pic and two more from the second pic. The second pic is to the left of the oil pan if you are looking at the engine from the front of the car. So I am guessing this is either Distributor O ring, Vtech solonoid, valve cover gasket or rear main seal. Anyone help a brother out on what this could be? I have 5 spots of oil on the ground and it is coming from these two places. I did not check the top of the engine yet.

 

Clean that mess up and trace back where the leaks are actually coming from so you can stop guessing.

 

I can but just based on what you see, what do you think it would be? I don't have a lift so it will be hard to clean everything up.

Thanks

 

I'm not playing a guessing game. That picture doesn't tell me anything other than you have a leak. It could be coming from anywhere.

And you don't need a lift. Really? You can get to almost any part of where you need to. You don't have a jack? Borrow one.
And last I remember the distributor is on the top of the engine.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

you can always find a place that washes engines or find a diy to wash it yourself. I thought I had various leaks like you till I washed it an I think it was my distributor o-ring.

 

I have cleaned my engine before, but stuff is tight, so not sure how good of a job I can do. I have never cleaned underneath before, so I would need some advice as that seems like a messy job.

 

Rag and a can of non-chlorinated brake cleaner. Or rag and wash bucket with simple green.

or use a power washer and be mindful of rubber and plastic bits.

 

Don't wanna guess but most common leaks are rear main seal, crank seal, oil pan down below

 

Just saw a tutorial on youtube somewhere... (wasn't honda specific) where they jacked it up, cleaned it off well with degreaser, and sprayed a light coat of foot powder over the bottom of the engine. start the engine for just enough time to get oil pressure, then turn it off. the powder will make it easier to see where your leak is coming from, and it washes off.

 

Start by looking for any leaks on the top side of the engine. The common places there are the VTEC solenoid, distributor O-ring or internal seal, and the valve cover gasket.

 

Yes, the powder makes it easier to see. Also though, get some Oil Dye and a UV light. You can pick up cheap ones from auto parts store for less than 15 bucks. They don't work extremely well but if you clean everything well, use the powder and put the dye in, you should be able to see it with the powder and the glow of the UV dye. That's how I found my leak on my prelude.

Also, if you are having trouble seeing the dye, try doing it in low light or at night completely. The UV light works FAR better in dark conditions, other normal light really makes it hard to see. Of course, they make far more effective UV lights but you will also pay more for them.

 

Thanks. I have some degreaser, so will just spray down the top of the engine and the bottom of the enginer and then pressure wash it. If that will get it clean, then will just wipe it down and then see where it is coming from.

 

Please watch this before you do anything.

Don't worry so much about the cleaning parts as much as protecting vital components from water.

 

Like I said if you use a pressure washer, be mindful of plastic and rubber stuff since a powerful washer can break the fragile stuff

 

Agreed. I won't use the full blast mode. If I have to I can just switch to a hose.

 

If you keep the nozzle far enough away it cant hurt anything, I usually bring it closer when aimed directly at the engine itself.

just be careful IV seen people cut up expensive plastic crap lol

 

Brake cleaner and you'll see the leaks after running the car .

 

Didn't have a chance to clean it but it still has plenty of oil so shooting to clean it next weekend.