Morning guys, I'm new here as well as kind of a Honda noob. Just bought a '99 Civic EX coupe with the D16y8 a week ago and noticed some leaks. I've done some research on a few different causes of this but I'd just like some sort of confirmation. I noticed oil all over passenger side of the engine over the trans and under the trans its just a mess. At first i though of the possibility of the leak resulting from a crappy rear main seal, but upon more research, it looks like the leak I'm having can be from a couple different areas as well. I've seen culprits such as the distributor o-ring, VTEC solenoid, valve cover gasket, and possibly even cam seal although i think this might be the least likely. I've attached some photos although i think they could be better, but this is where i see the most oil. I couldn't get a good angle of the other side of the motor. It pools up a little around where the speed sensor is so this tells me that it's leaking from the top down but correct me if I'm wrong. Would really love some help on this so I can get it resolved ASAP. I love this car and want to make sure everything is good before i even start spending money on any aftermarket upgrades. Thanks in advance!!!

 

looks distributor o ring

I would clean it real good then wait and see where it is leaking from to know for sure

 

i can only tell you to clean it up and monitor frequently where its coming from. How frequently? You decide.

 

simple green and a pressure washer works good, try not to spray the alternator or distributor. Better yet cover the distributor with a plastic bag

the monitor the leak

good luck !