Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2025 | 08:17 AM
  #1  
smetzger's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: MD, USA
Default 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

I have a 99 Civic with an oil pan leak, rear main seal leak, and leak inside the timing belt cover.

Assuming I can keep the oil topped off... what damage do I risk if I don't get these repairs done?
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2025 | 08:11 PM
  #2  
JRCivic1's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,056
Likes: 1,248
From: The South - Roll Tide !!!
Default Re: 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

The leak inside the timing cover will saturate the timing belt. Long term exposure will damage the belt and a timing failure will occur. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, the rear main seal leak will saturate the clutch disc... this will cause the clutch to eventually slip.
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2025 | 01:45 AM
  #3  
youstolemybeer's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 428
Likes: 74
From: St Louis
Default Re: 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

timing cover= fix the leak, been there done that, if you dont fix it, then you get to buy another head,
the belt WILL snap and take out the valves, when that happens, you get to call your boss and explain why your going to be late
Are you sure its the rear main seal? Reason I ask is oil can move in wierd ways, It may be just the oil pan gasket. Drop the exhaust at the head, let the exhaust hang and drop the pan. fix the leak.
One spot you didnt mention is the oil pressure sender. When that starts leaking, it makes a heck of a mess. If its a D15 engine there is a oil catch can under the intake manifold, when those o ring and hoses go bad it REALLY make a mess
If you dont fix all the leaks, at least fix the timing cover
Good luck
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2025 | 07:41 AM
  #4  
Seizetheday's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
Default Re: 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

It can be tough stopping these engines from leaking. I swear it seems the oil pan is happier when it's leaking. Not saying I'm happier, but the pan sure seems to be. I agree with the rest of the posters that you should definitely deal with the front crank and or or cam seal if it's leaking.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2025 | 07:43 AM
  #5  
Seizetheday's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
Default Re: 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

Originally Posted by youstolemybeer
timing cover=
One spot you didnt mention is the oil pressure sender. When that starts leaking, it makes a heck of a mess.
Good luck
Where is the oil pressure sending unit on the D15?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2025 | 05:54 PM
  #6  
JRCivic1's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,056
Likes: 1,248
From: The South - Roll Tide !!!
Default Re: 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

Originally Posted by Seizetheday
Where is the oil pressure sending unit on the D15?
Back of the block near the alternator for the light on the dash... I think the reference above would be for the VTEC oil pressure switch, and that sensor is found on the VTEC assembly which is bolted to the rear right hand corner of the cylinder head.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2025 | 05:27 AM
  #7  
youstolemybeer's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 428
Likes: 74
From: St Louis
Default Re: 99 Civic Oil Leaks - Fix or just keep topping oil off?

D15 looking at the engine from above, under the intake on the right side just below the head. you access it from underneath the car. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
oscarja05
Transmission & Drivetrain
1
Nov 6, 2015 01:14 AM
send2artem
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
2
Oct 21, 2010 09:33 PM
send2artem
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
0
Oct 19, 2010 09:45 PM
hmoobsi209
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
12
Feb 10, 2010 10:52 AM
1990integraGS
Acura Integra
3
Nov 8, 2004 05:38 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:30 PM.