I have an 88 Accord LXI, 5spd, with 278,000 miles. I have an oil leak coming out of the bottom of the timing cover at the rate of 1 drop every one to three seconds. This only happens with the engine running. I suspect a bad crankshaft seal. The repair manual I have states that the seal can only be replaced with the crankshaft out of the block. I had another oil leak but it turned out to be the oil filter adapter and the rubber hose on the oil pan return line. Am I overlooking something obvious? Thank you in advance for any help.

 

can also be the cam seal,,,,,,,,and if it does turn up to be the crank seal you can easily replace that without the removal of the crank shaft,,
you need to remove the t-belt covers, remove the t-belt and replace the crank seal,you might want to install a new t-belt once you are in that far , unless it looks like new and it has not been oil soaked

 

Thank you for the advice. I have about 25,000 miles on a new T-belt and I also put in a new water pump at the same time but as you say if it is oil soaked it has to be changed. Can the cam seals be changed as easily? Since I am in there would it be a good idea to do both as they probably original seals?