Oil Problem
#1
Oil Problem
I've recently come across a good deal on a 1997 Accord LX. The only problem is is has an oil leak and the guy doesn't know where it's coming from, I'm trying to figure out if it's worth fixing. The oil is thickon top of the alternator and the surrounding area with a small oil spot under the block (it's been sitting for a month). The car runs and drives but goes through oil quickly. He took it to a shop and they told him a could continue to drive it without problems if he kept adding oil. And common places to check on these for bad seals? Purchase price is $500 vehicle has 140,000 miles. If I broke any posting rules I apologize, in relatively new to posting on forums.
#3
It's the 4 cylinder. As far as the amount of oil leaking he has no idea. The guy doesn't know anything about cars, he ran into the problem a few months a go and just parked it and bought a new car.
#4
Since the alternator has oil on it, the leak has to be above it. Look where the distributor meets with the cylinder head. Pull off the distributor cap to see if there is oil inside. Also look around the valve cover. Those are the common leaks in that area.
#5
Thanks for the info! I'll go take a look at it tomorrow. Hopefully it's an easy fix.
#6
The distributor is over on the other side of the engine so it probably won't drip onto the alternator.
That end of the valve cover would be a likely suspect. But the power-steering pump is above the alternator, so maybe the leaking oil is PS fluid?? (if so I'd check the O-rings where the hoses attach)
Camshaft & balance shaft seals are up there, but I think they would leak inside the timing cover and the oil doesn't come out until it gets to the bottom where it's mistaken for a leaking oil pan.
That end of the valve cover would be a likely suspect. But the power-steering pump is above the alternator, so maybe the leaking oil is PS fluid?? (if so I'd check the O-rings where the hoses attach)
Camshaft & balance shaft seals are up there, but I think they would leak inside the timing cover and the oil doesn't come out until it gets to the bottom where it's mistaken for a leaking oil pan.
#7
The distributor is over on the other side of the engine so it probably won't drip onto the alternator.
That end of the valve cover would be a likely suspect. But the power-steering pump is above the alternator, so maybe the leaking oil is PS fluid?? (if so I'd check the O-rings where the hoses attach)
Camshaft & balance shaft seals are up there, but I think they would leak inside the timing cover and the oil doesn't come out until it gets to the bottom where it's mistaken for a leaking oil pan.
That end of the valve cover would be a likely suspect. But the power-steering pump is above the alternator, so maybe the leaking oil is PS fluid?? (if so I'd check the O-rings where the hoses attach)
Camshaft & balance shaft seals are up there, but I think they would leak inside the timing cover and the oil doesn't come out until it gets to the bottom where it's mistaken for a leaking oil pan.
#8
If the engine is dirty, look for a clean streak as that would lead back to the source of the leak too. This is true if the PO has had to add a lot of oil over time.
Last edited by The Toecutter; 01-13-2017 at 01:12 PM. Reason: Added text.
#9
Locating oil leaks is a difficult problem. What I do is clean the engine thoroughly with kerosene, brush and rag. A gentle pressure clean is also helpful but care not to damage any fragile parts. Run the car and then with good lighting (very important) inspect for any new drips visually and by touch, starting from the top down. Be methodical and there may be more than one site. The camshaft cover is one of the worst offenders as are the camshaft seals. An inspection mirror with its own light as well as a headlamp are useful tools for this job. Good luck and be patient.
#10
The distributor is over on the other side of the engine so it probably won't drip onto the alternator.
That end of the valve cover would be a likely suspect. But the power-steering pump is above the alternator, so maybe the leaking oil is PS fluid?? (if so I'd check the O-rings where the hoses attach)
Camshaft & balance shaft seals are up there, but I think they would leak inside the timing cover and the oil doesn't come out until it gets to the bottom where it's mistaken for a leaking oil pan.
That end of the valve cover would be a likely suspect. But the power-steering pump is above the alternator, so maybe the leaking oil is PS fluid?? (if so I'd check the O-rings where the hoses attach)
Camshaft & balance shaft seals are up there, but I think they would leak inside the timing cover and the oil doesn't come out until it gets to the bottom where it's mistaken for a leaking oil pan.