My daughter's 2000 Accord started leaking oil in the last two weeks. It leaks a spot about the size of a softball over night. I have had the car here for the last maybe six months or so and it hadn't leaked until very recently. I just got under it today to change the oil and of course take a look. You guys have helped me in the past; let me remind you, I am no mechanic. I would say the drip is coming from near where the transmission ties to the motor.

Here is the part that might be my fault . [] I maybe way off base. When I changed the timing belt back in 2007, I was real careful to keep every bolt organized so I knew what it came off of. For instance which bolts came off of the power steering pump etc. But to my amazement when I finished the whole project I had one 3" long, grade 8 looking, bolt left over. I couldn't figure out where it came from. I think I still have it in the top draw.

I drove the car for about two months. I noticed that there was a popping sound only rarely like when backing up when hitting the gas maybe a little hard. I really don't do that much but I witnessed my wife taking off a couple times and it popped.

I thought then, I wonder if that bolt was a motor mount bolt and the motor is torquing.

I don't know if the leak is related or what. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

For the oil problem I would check the distributor for leaks, the oil pan gasket, and maybe even the valve cover gasket if you are sure it is coming from the transmission side of the motor.

As for the bolt it does sound like a motor mount bolt as there are not that many bolts that long and that grade. On the timing belt side mount there should be two holding it on, one that comes up from the mount and you put a nut on top, and then a bolt that goes down from the top and screws in.