I have a '96 accord, 199,900 miles, that I acquired but has a lot of needs. The car sat for 3 years before I got it. After rebuilding the power steering pump I took it down the road today for the first time and it sounds good and shifts well. I got back to my shop and I noticed motor oil dripping every half second or so.

I believe I've traced the leak to the left rear (drivers) corner of the motor somewhere between the head and the block, near the camshaft belt cover. It looks like there's a "step" in the head because the oil is leaking out just above the head gasket area. It's definitely not the valve cover gasket, it's below there. I assume I'm going to have to pull the head but I wondered if this might be a known issue. This is my first Honda, I usually work on GM, Ford, Chrysler for friends and family.

 

I pulled the valve and cam sprocket covers and there are no leaks from the valve cover gasket, cam seal, etc. The cam belt is dry, no oil or coolant. I did a cold compression check earlier when I was initially trying to get the car started. To recap, the car sat for 3 years before I acquired it. All cylinders were high 140s to mid 150s. I put it back together last night and started it. There appears to be no exhaust pressure in the coolant. I don't see any oil in the coolant or vice versa. I have come to the conclusion that I have a head gasket leaking oil. The leak is on the firewall corner of cylinder 1. Before I pull the head I'm going to do a leakown test on all cylinders.

Has anyone else had a head gasket leak oil with no other symptoms? I believe it's possible but it seems unusual to me. It's either a head gasket or the cylinder head has a crack in it.

 

sounds like an issue with the head gasket or the timing component area. Honestly it isnt hard to do a timing belt and water pump kit etc with the engine in the car, worst case it only takes a couple of hours to pull the entire thing with the tranny [manual]. Issue is you may or may not have a head warpage issue. The block could be the same problem. Check your surfaces well

 

I'd check the oil sending unit. Replace it with a new one. I'd bet thats where its coming from.