I just got my timing belt and water pump done and my Honda dealership said there is all kinds of seals leaking oil in there. How pressing is this issue? I mean losing oil isn't a big deal. But what about the timing belt? Or everything else in there. Maby it will keep my timing belt from dry rotting haha

 

It depends. Oil wicks away from a leaky crankshaft or front balance shaft seal. A leak at either of those two is unlikely to get on the TB. A leaky cam seal can spray oil around quite a bit, including on the belt. Fortunately that's the easiest seal to replace.

There's nothing else that's likely to be damaged from an oil leak.

 

It was the cam shaft seal and the balance seal. I mean is it a real big thing I should worry about right now? It cost enough to do my timing belt

 

I would make the decision on how long I intended to keep the car. The leaks will only get worse, but if the car is not going to be kept for more than a couple more years, I'd live with the leaks.

 

I have a '97 that does a fair job of leaking like a sieve.
Made sure I didn't try to figure out where 'cuz then it'd mean decisions.

Just drive it; I am.



BTW, my '92 is drip tight ... sure is nice.

 

Ill eventually get it done but I just payed 575$ for my timing belt to get done. And they want another 530 to do both seals and a new timing cover. As lost as it won't hurt my timing belt or anything else ill live with it for a few months. I plan on keeping the car I put too much of my own time Into it. This is the first time I ever took it to a garage in the 3 years I had it. Its still a baby 153k miles I wanna see 300k I know its possible.

 

If they were there doing the timing belt, they should have called you and asked to install the shields. Now they have to pretty much remove the timing belt and install the seals which will cost you in labor.

 

X2 - at that point...maybe an extra $75~$100 (dealer price) and you would be fine now.

If it was just the cam seal....well that can be done without removing the lower cover and all of that if you are confident in your skills.....the balance shaft...sorry, everything has to come back off....be sure you have the retainer installed while there if it isn't already.

EDIT: So to PA's point....I'd raise a stink with the dealer, if they didn't call you while there (doing the job), about telling you this AFTER the fact.......might not help but I know I would at least feel better and then personally never go there again...just me.