I have a 1997 Accord LX. For years we've had issues with oil leaking but general inspection mechanics haven't been able to figure it out. I've always described it as sporadic or fluctuating because the leaking seems to come and go. When it is leaking, the amounts seem to vary. Sometimes there are a few drips and sometimes there's a puddle. While doing some novice work underneath with the car jacked up I decided to take my flashlight and start investigating the leak. I've attached a picture of what I found. I don't know how to specifically name/identify the actual component, but it's the aluminum block that the oil filter screws into. The entire thing has hairline fractures throughout. I think I can see fresh oil seeping through. If this is the actual source of the leak I'm thinking it would make sense that the drip is so sporadic and weird because the temperature of the aluminum and fluctuation of the cracks probably dictates how much oil can seep through?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Those 'cracks' is just the casting imperfections, it's ugly but those are not actual cracks just surface irregularities.
Looking at the pic there is oil on the oil filter, above the filter is the oil pressure switch(for the oil light), it is common for it to leak. This may be the source of your oil leak. Remove the oil filter and see if the oil pressure switch is leaking.

 

Thanks MAD_MIKE. I'll change out the pressure switch and see where that gets me.

 

2000 Accord EX v6
141k

I had the same problem with my Accord.

Generally, the FIRST step to identify points of oil seepage is, start with clean engine surfaces. Spray a generous amount of " " (mixed to half strength in warm water) to dowse all yucky surfaces; wait several minutes for the stuff to do its degreasing magic; then hose down the whole shebang--you might have to do this more than once. After the engine is completely dry, scootch under the engine and use to thoroughly coat the surfaces of those areas you suspect oil seepage. Allow the car to idle a good long while, then climb back under and inspect. Repeat as necessary, moving around the engine until the leak becomes apparent.

An optional, but sensible, method is and . Fluorescent dye has a couple advantages over the previous method. The stuff allows you to better identify all sources of oil seepage under one inspection. The dye weeps out with the oil, so you will inspect every nook and cranny about your engine--not just the obvious suspects. A leak glows under the blacklight, even in daylight. Advisory: engine coolant fluoresces. Make certain you can distinguish any fluorescence you discover.

In my Accord, I found that oil seeped past the 'camshaft thrust cover o-ring' (91301-P8A-A00),and from the 'spool valve assembly gasket' (15825-P8A-A01)--see images. Both gasket replacement jobs were crazy easy to do. I purchased Honda OEM parts from hondapartsnow.com.


Camshaft Thrust Cover
(at engine front, top, left--engine front at bottom of image)


Spool Valve Assembly
(at engine rear, bottom, right--engine front toward bottom right corner)


As s for your shattered-appearing oil pan...
Despite the fact that you can clearly see oil bubbling within the "cracks", folks are correct that they are superficial.

To provide you a modicum of reassurance, I've attached an image of my oil pan for comparison. Look familiar?


Prior to (and as a result of not) doing the steps I mentioned previously, I did the onerous and gawd-awful messy chore of removing my oil pan for though inspection and to replace the RTV. Sure enough, upon inspection and after a very thorough cleaning, I found the inside flawless and impervious.


Good luck.

 

MAD_MIKE and lothian ...I changed out the pressure switch today. After a couple hours of drive time there has been NO LEAK!!! I opted out of putting the dye into the oil for now because we haven't seen any dripping. The biggest crux of the project was getting the oil plug unstuck (thanks oil change mechanics) and finding a 24mm deep socket to fit the pressure switch. I didn't have one, nor did any of my neighbors so we had to buy one at O'Reilly. Fingers crossed that this fixes our years-long oil drip. Thanks for your help.