My H23A oil leak problem still unsolved... - Honda Prelude Forum

Wendel · 03-18-2002, 05:07 PM

Hello....here's a story that maybe will help someone out one day in the archives, and maybe someone can give me some help too. My oil leak was diagnosed by the Honda dealer as a leaking oil pressure switch. Fine, a $40 fix i think. I just installed it, started up my engine....it still leaks. Upon closer inspection, it seems as though the oil cooler is leaking right up next to the block. The oil leaks down and hits the oil pressure switch...making it like like its leaking but its not. I am hella busy this week, and dont have time to fix this. How long would it take the dealer to replace the o-ring or gasket that's in the oil cooler? Is this all that could be wrong? They should have it in stock right? Also, will they take this new oil pressure sensor back now that I've had it installed? I'm gonna go take it out now. Thanks for any help.

G_Loc · 03-18-2002, 05:11 PM

is the valve cover gasket leaking? mine leaks a bit on the back of the block.

the filter screwed on tight?

OT, how did u take off the oil pressure switch? what size is it?

Wendel · 03-18-2002, 06:00 PM

No the valvecover gasket is fine, it was just put on friday when I did my valve lash adjustment. It isn't leaking from the filter end of the cooler...but the other end at the block

. I was just under looking at it with the engine running....leaks about a drop every 3-4 seconds. I can't see how this means I will need a new oil cooler, I hope not. BTW the pressure sensor requires a 24mm socket. A 15/16 works too, but 24 mm is slightly smaller and fits tighter. If you take yours out be sure to have some honda bond or permatix on hand.

Wendel

G_Loc · 03-18-2002, 06:46 PM

thanx for that.

damn, thats a pretty bad leak.

doesnt seem that hard to replace, but the dealer, of course, will probably rape u on labor.

33 is the O-Ring ($1.53) and 18 is the oil cooler ($277

)

Wendel · 03-18-2002, 07:35 PM

Damn man that cooler is pricey! I think a new o-ring should seal it up. I think i will have to drain my coolant for this.....i need a shop manual. Thanks for the picture....will call tomorrow and see what the dealer wants for this one.

Wendel

errorr · 03-19-2002, 09:09 AM

turned out to be that oring man havent had a problem since. also they told me to change my PVC valve on the valve cover it will help to reduce oil leaks.

Absolut · 03-19-2002, 09:23 AM

I had the same problem with my h23, I though it was the pressure switch too...
Its the O ring.

red92s · 03-19-2002, 09:44 AM

I know the cam seals on the B-series engines fail constantly. I'm not really sure if this seal is anywhere NEAR where your leak is coming from, but it's just a thought.

Wendel · 03-19-2002, 03:10 PM

Thanks guys for shedding some light on this. This local Honda dealer employs some poor techs. I took it in today and they say its NOT leaking. (maybe the smell of BURNING OIL affected their mind).

Anyways,the leak comes and goes apparently...but I guess I will just get them to replace it wether they feel it needs it or not. It makes me feel better to know that its happened before

Thanks guys

Wendel

ax_lude · 03-19-2002, 07:07 PM

Hey! G_loc

Can you post out the diagram that show where the tranmission oil fuel located? Cuz i guess i haven't change it or refill it for awhile...please thanks

btw, you have helm's service manual repair rite? How much did you pay for it though?

G_Loc · 03-19-2002, 08:29 PM

hey

no, thats simply http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com click on the upper left hand corner where it says "Honda parts store" and its all there

it'll tell u where to find the drain bolt, but thats about it

ScrewLewse · 03-20-2002, 01:59 AM

Well bro.. I just got my car back from getting the o-ring on the oil cooler replaced.

Sounds like you have figured out definately that it is a oil cooler leak. I made sure by stuffing a paper towel between the sensor and the oil filter up there. (after cleaning the area of course) I started the engine and no leak.. pulled the towel and it was soaked. The worst problem with this kind of leak is that is drips the oil right onto your exhaust.

I took it to my mechanic and he fixed it no problem. He found that there was a very small crack in the o-ring. That little crack was making the cooler leak like a siv.

My suggestion is not to wait on this one... I also suggest doing it yourself. It is a fairly simple operation. I would have fixed this, but I needed to bring my car to my mech anyways. The only way it could get pricey is if the cooler itself is damaged and I remember those being about 100 bucks.

dave

Wendel · 03-20-2002, 10:33 AM

Wow thanks. i wanna fix this soon like you say...perhaps this weekend. I am wondering if I will have to drain the coolant for this???? Also do oyu know the size of the center bolt that holds it on? So basically i just remove the oil filter, remove the oil cooler center bolt....and the thing slides off? That easy? DAMN i need to pick up a shop manual

Thanks for the help

Wendel

SLICK96 · 03-20-2002, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by red92s
I know the cam seals on the B-series engines fail constantly. I'm not really sure if this seal is anywhere NEAR where your leak is coming from, but it's just a thought.

This is what I was thinking, too. My cam seal went bad, and was leaking oil all the time (not too bad, though). I replaced it w/ an STR cam seal, and the problem was solved...

ScrewLewse · 03-20-2002, 12:34 PM

Heh.. glad to help. About the size of the bolt and draining coolant.. I am not sure. I will ask my mechanic and get you an answer. Lookin at that diagram in this thread, seems to me that the coolant does go thru the cooler so it prolly would be a good idea to clamp off and disconnect those hoses on the cooler.

As far as a manual goes.. if you have the money.. get a helms manual for sure. If you are broke like me.. Kragens has their Chilton manual for prelude on sale for 17 bucks or so online. (They dont cost too much at the store either.) NOTE: The chilton manual has nothing about oil coolers.

Wendel · 03-20-2002, 07:26 PM

Ah yeah if you could find out what size that is that would kick a$$. I have metric sockets up to 36 mm but i think i will need a deep one for that bolt...looks like it might be around a 24 mm?

Thanks for the help dude

oh yeah need one of those manuals...saving up for the helms

Wendel

toofastprelude · 04-24-2004, 06:46 AM

anyone ever figure out what size bolt that is to remove the oil cooler. 24mm is to small. the oil pres. switch is 24mm the cooler bolt is a bit bigger. need to know asap

toofastprelude · 04-26-2004, 07:29 AM

for future reference i used a 1 1/4 which is about 32mm