All of the sudden, I have a pretty significant oil leak. Five to six small puddles under the engine. Never has dripped anything before. No recent service, in fact just getting ready to take it in for service. Anyone have any ideas of what could cause that? It is a 2002 coupe, V6 automatic. Thanks for any help.

 

how many miles are on this creampuff? is the oil leak towards the center or side?
Throw us a bone here.

 

Car has 55000 miles, in great shape. I cant tell where the leak originates, but the whole bottom of the engine has evidence of oil, and it drips from several spots on the bottom of the block. It literally started all at once and not as a slow leak.

 

Okay, I got under it and looks like it is leaking at the center of the block, close to where the exhaust pipe is. There seems to be a small black cover with two bolts, about one inch by four. It looks like the oil is coming from underneath. I dont see any other place it could be. Any ideas are appreciated.

 

So I took the car into the dealer. They cant tell where the leak is coming from. First they are trying a new gasket on the oil pan. If not that, they think possibly rear seal. The leak started from nothing to pretty drastic in one day. I cant imagine that happening to an oil pan. Does a rear seal blow out like that?? Any response appreciated.

 

ouch; don't shoot the messenger; but there is a housing that holds the rear main seal and it has oil passages in it. The housing is sealed to the back of the block with an RTV type sealer.
The trans needs removed and the flex plate taken off, probably around 9-10 hours labor time. $$$
Image shows 4 cyl but its very similar. Item #7



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There are also TSB on how to repair V6 leaks due to pourous block. does the car smoke in the engine compartment? Do you smell burning oil? Could be a Valve cover gasket

 

no smoke or odor. no visible oil from engine compartment.

 

Thanks. I have an extended warranty on the car, so I am not worried as much about the cost as just getting it fixed. The warranty company is making Honda dealer try the oil pan gasket first. I think I know what is going to happen when I drive it home...

 

I can see from the diagram why they may decide to try the oil pan first. I just have never seen an oil pan just all at once start a significant leak. I assume there would be more pressure behind the rear seal to cause it to fail than the oil pan gasket.