I have a '97 Acura CL.

Oil was leaking from the surface where the cap and distributor meet. I replaced the rubber gasket between the two pieces but then a thought occurred to me.

Why is there oil leaking from this spot? I don't understand why there should be oil in the distributor in the first place. If there is not supposed to be oil in there, then why do they have a gasket between the cap and the distributor. Perhaps the external leak was a good thing as it maybe 'released' the oil that would have otherwise gathered in the distributor due to an internal leak. Maybe I need to also replace a seal around the camshaft?

Thanks,
Tim

 

That rubber seal is to keep moisture out of the distributor since it's filled with electric parts like the ignition control module and the coil. Sounds like you need to replace the O ring on the back of the distributor. If it's bad then oil from the head is getting past and into the distributor itself. That's why you found oil under the cap. Once you take the distributor off you will see what I'm talking about. It's like a $2 part from honda/acura. Make sure you take a sharpie and draw a line across the distributor and where it bolts down so when you put it back on it's not off.

 

There is a shaft seal that requires completely disassembling the dist.

 

Yup forgot about that one. It's also a PITA
I hate tearing down a dizzy. It's like a mini puzzle.

 

sounds like i need a new distributor. thx for the replies

 

no, you need a $4 seal