oil pan gasket replacement DIY - Honda Prelude Forum

sun_dance · 08-18-2011, 09:50 AM

Hi folks,

I was wondering if someone has a diy or guide on replacing the oil pan seal / gasket, since it appears mine has begun to leak and I'd like to fix it before it gets to the "bad" stage. Right now, I get a drop or 2 falling after letting the car sit for 24 hours, but I'm the kind of person that can't stand any leaks on my vehicles

thanks

schmitty915 · 08-18-2011, 10:42 AM

Make sure it's the oil pan gasket that's leaking before doing anything. Get underneath and check out the areas above where it's leaking as it could be something else.

If it's all grimy, clean it and then run the engine for a minute and then see if you can tell where it's leaking from.

If you haven't already, download the Honda Factory Service Manual. It has instructions on how to troubleshoot, take apart and put together every aspect of your car.

Official H22 oil Leak Guide

sun_dance · 08-24-2011, 11:19 AM

There's a small bead of oil around it and it was pretty darn clean to start with.

Also to confirm I used a dye in the oil and small REALLY amount showed up.

Like I said, if I leave the car parked for 24 hours I get 1 or 2 drops falling on teh floor, after running it for 1/2 hour. So it's a small leak.

minilogoguy18 · 08-24-2011, 04:39 PM

Just get the service manual, best DIY book ever but it's super simple.

Drain the oil
Remove the exhaust collector under the pan
Remove all mounting nuts and bolts
Remove pan
Remove old gasket
Clean mating surfaces VERY good
Put new gasket on pan (helps to have a light spray adhesive to hold it still)
Put pan on and FINGER tighten the bolts

Starting from the center and moving out in a criss-cross pattern tighten the bolts to 10 lb-ft, over tighten and it will leak, too loose and it will leak, be careful. Put everything back together, change your oil filter and fill it back up with oil, clean everything off and make sure it isn't leaking.

Don't waste your money on a gasket from the auto parts stores, they are JUNK, every single one I have seen leaked in a very short amount of time, ESPECIALLY oil pan and valve cover gaskets. Spend the couple of extra dollars and get one from the dealership.

Like the person above already said, make absolutely certain there is no oil leaking ANYWHERE else, many people think they have oil pan gasket leaks when they really don't.