Oil leaking problem - Honda Prelude Forum

Z · 07-02-2002, 01:06 PM

I just notice lately that my car is leaking a bit of oil in my garage... i haven't had time to get under my car to track it down... but what are some spots i can check...

its not a great amount, but seems like a little bit everyday is coming out...

Any ideas?

Mark94 · 07-02-2002, 01:49 PM

Z,

Check the distributor side of the motor near the distributor. I can't remember if your car is VTEC or not but if it is then check right below the VTEC solenoid. If you see oil in that area and it appears to be leaving a trail down the head, then it is probably your cam seal. Mine was leaking lightly and I checked that area and the seal was the problem. It would leave about 5 drops of oil on the ground over night and slowly got worse. The leak was kind of in the middle of the car but slightly towards the passenger side.

I replaced mine with the STR unit and have had no problems since. I got the STR seal from Summit Racing for about $30.

If you are in need of having your timing belt replaced then do this all at once and also do the two seals on the opposite side of the engine. This will save you a few headaches in the future probably.

Hopefully this is all your problem is.

Mark

MR.CLIFFORD · 07-02-2002, 02:16 PM

Got this off of hp.com under prelude recalls

Manufacturer recall
Years: 1994-97
Honda TSB 00073
Recall date: 3/01
The infamous front balancer shaft oil seal replacement. Over time, the seal backed out under pressure, resulting in rapid oil loss. The fix was to install a retainer on the seal. This affected most 1994-96 Preludes and Accords, as well as a few early production 1997 cars. Although not included in the recall, 1992-93 Preludes are also vulnerable to this problem.

96-luder · 07-02-2002, 02:53 PM

maybe its time to change your valve cover gasket?

Z · 07-02-2002, 04:12 PM

cool, thanks guys, i'll check it out ASAP!

not the valve cover gasket, changed it when i got my red type-s cover

Arsenic · 07-03-2002, 07:48 PM

Same thing just happened to me :P Oil leak, nothing major it seemed...

I got it checked out by a family friend mechanic (ie. no BS) and it turns out that its going to cost about one grande for labour and parts :P (TONS of problems...I'm starting to think I was affected by that recall thing BLAH)

Z · 07-03-2002, 08:51 PM

what?! what was wrong?!

Satan_SRV · 07-03-2002, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Z
cool, thanks guys, i'll check it out ASAP!

not the valve cover gasket, changed it when i got my red type-s cover

and this isn't when you first started leaking? Cause sometimes it's tough to seal at the back.

Also check...oil pan gasket

Tola · 07-03-2002, 11:47 PM

I don't think it's the balancer shaft seal recall. If that seal was to go, you wouldn't be loosing "a little bit" of oil. It'll be all over the place.

Have you changed your oil lately? It could be something as simple as not tightening the oil pan bolt or the oil filter enough.

G_Loc · 07-04-2002, 08:56 AM

i agree on the oil pan gasket. i had an oil leak and upon changing it, it was gone.

does ur car smell like burnt oil after driving?