Hey guys, I’m new to this but I hope I can find an answer quick. It’s been about 1,000 miles since my last oil change on my 98 Accord LX, Automatic 2.3 with VTEC, and I’m down half a quart on oil. I know this engine has some blow by, but there’s definitely an oil leak going on and I can’t seem to track it. I got some pictures that hopefully someone can help out with.

This is where the oil pan meets the transmission case. Oil all around and above it.

Oil all to the right of the oil filter.

By the axle. (Driver side)

Under the belts. If you look closely, you can see a drop forming towards the bottom of the picture on the left side of the oil pan, not sure if that may be a sign of where it’s coming from but doesn’t explain the oil from towards the top of the engine.

A better picture of the oil pan meeting the transmission case.

 

Where is the highest point on the engine that you see signs of an oil leak?

 

Well it looks like it could be a valve cover but it doesn’t exactly look fresh, and I wasn’t sure if a valve cover could leave a leak that large. I bought the car owned and it looks like they took apart the valve cover to paint it, so i’m just not sure if they changed it. I suppose i should start there, I just didn’t know if there was any common leaks on these cars.

 

The valve cover, distributor seal to the cylinder head, the oil pressure sensor are possible suspects. The oil filter can leak if the o-ring of the old filter stayed attached to the engine. The oil pressure switch has a rubber boot around the connector that is likely hardened plastic by now. You can look to see if the boot is filled with oil.

The general area where you see oil, like the transmission side of the block, the back of the block, the timing cover side, etc. may help narrow down the suspects.

Instead of guessing on the source, you can try cleaning the oil as much as possible. You can try spraying with something like athlete's foot powder, then try to identify the path for the leak.

I also recommend keeping a quart or 2 of oil in your trunk and check the oil level to make sure you don't run very low and possibly damage the engine.