Mechanical issues
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Mechanical issues
I have a 94 Integra ls, 5 speed, all stock. 2 days ago it sprung an oil leak, small, but still noticeable. I took it to a family mechanic and he said it was either the oil pan gasket, or the rear main seal, but he couldn't really tell because he was busy and didn't have time to put it on the lift. I noticed last night that it seems to have developed a stutter when giving it gas, and sounds like it has a miss while idling, and also seems to have lost a little power.
Could all of this be symptoms of the rear main seal being bad, or does it sound like I have a bigger problem?
Or could I be having multiple issues?
Could all of this be symptoms of the rear main seal being bad, or does it sound like I have a bigger problem?
Or could I be having multiple issues?
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 991
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Re: Mechanical issues
If the oil leak is down low and most likely coming out the pan, your running issues should be irrelevant, but if the oil is leaking out of something higher up, say the valve cover, you may be getting oil in an electrical connection or sensor.
Typically throwing parts at a car until the problem goes away, isn't always the best financial decision, but the valve cover, oil pan gasket, cap/rotor and spark plug wires etc can generally be chalked up to routine maintenance, if you don't know when they were last changed.
To try and take out as many variables as possible, I would do all the following at once:
Confirm all sensors are reading appropriate and within spec values/voltages (TPS, MAP, Intake Temp, Coolant Temp etc...)
Confirm mechanical timing
Confirm ignition timing
Confirm FPR is functioning correctly
Valve clearance / adjustment
New OEM valve cover / spark plug tube gaskets
New "My Honda Habit" oil pan gasket and stud kit (uses oem gasket and custom studs)
New OEM spark plug wires
New spark plugs (NGK ZFR5F-11 gapped to 0.043")
New Rich Porter Distributor (this is the most reliable and complete distributor that I could find available. Decent price and has been going strong for over a year for me)
While doing all this, I would take a careful look at the timing belt. If it is showing signs of age/wear, now would be a good time to replace it. Also pay close attention to the spark plugs. Reading them could give you clues of any underlying issues. A compression check could also be a good idea as well.
Typically throwing parts at a car until the problem goes away, isn't always the best financial decision, but the valve cover, oil pan gasket, cap/rotor and spark plug wires etc can generally be chalked up to routine maintenance, if you don't know when they were last changed.
To try and take out as many variables as possible, I would do all the following at once:
Confirm all sensors are reading appropriate and within spec values/voltages (TPS, MAP, Intake Temp, Coolant Temp etc...)
Confirm mechanical timing
Confirm ignition timing
Confirm FPR is functioning correctly
Valve clearance / adjustment
New OEM valve cover / spark plug tube gaskets
New "My Honda Habit" oil pan gasket and stud kit (uses oem gasket and custom studs)
New OEM spark plug wires
New spark plugs (NGK ZFR5F-11 gapped to 0.043")
New Rich Porter Distributor (this is the most reliable and complete distributor that I could find available. Decent price and has been going strong for over a year for me)
While doing all this, I would take a careful look at the timing belt. If it is showing signs of age/wear, now would be a good time to replace it. Also pay close attention to the spark plugs. Reading them could give you clues of any underlying issues. A compression check could also be a good idea as well.
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