This seems to be a pretty easy leak to find on my 2005 Accord, I just need some insight into what exactly I should change out.


Passenger side of engine

There is clearly oil stains on the bottom half of this seam (nearer to the back) and dripping down the adjacent wires (you can see where the wires are blacker from the oil), but nothing on top.


What exactly needs to be changed here? The head gasket? Does anyone have part numbers for that?

Thanks!

 

What engine do you have?

 

2.4 L i-vtec, dohc

Is that enough info?

 

I believe the seam you are referring to is where your valve cover gasket is, it runs along the whole valve cover. I don't see a significant amount of oil staining in your photo though. However, this is spot that people typically get leaks, as auto repair shops often won't replace these when they should and/or may not properly torque the bolts on the cover. In my experience, if that's leaking it leaks out the back side, where the exhaust manifold is. I would take a look back there. Also, a leak back there will typically smell like burning oil when your car is hot, so that would be another tell. As for part #, I would use hondaautomotiveparts.com to find it, then buy it (assuming you want to DIY it). I do recommend OEM though, not an aftermarket gasket. You'll also need a tube of hondabond liquid gasket. Watch some youtube videos or something to figure out where that has to go.

 

Well after much work and two replaced gaskets (namely, the valve cover gasket and the VTC solenoid gasket) I've discovered that the serpentine belt has been throwing oil all over the engine on that side. It appears the leak is originating from the crankshaft.

Haven't fixed it yet.

 

You need a "Front Main Seal" or "Oil Pump Seal". Its a round seal that is located under the crank pulley/harmonic balancer, it seals around the crankshaft.

 

You are in fact right, I just changed it out and the old gasket and it, unlike the first two, was brittle and cracked.

The funny thing is that it turns out that the harmonic balancer was separating which, I believe, was causing a wobble in its rotation which may have been pushing on the seal. The engine only ever leaked while it was running. In any case, I've got a new balancer and a new seal, hopefully everything is good to go now.

Thanks!