More likely cause of Leak?
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From: Toronto, Canada
More likely cause of Leak?
I have a leak in the engine bay. Its not really causing any problems. I'm down some oil after a few k of driving but nothing severe. Just very dirty around the top of the engine.
Only problem is I can't really tell where the leak is coming from. Is it more likely coming from the valve cover gasket or head gasket?
I haven't heard of many TSX's with this problem.
Only problem is I can't really tell where the leak is coming from. Is it more likely coming from the valve cover gasket or head gasket?
I haven't heard of many TSX's with this problem.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Cincinnati, OH
Well, I do know this, I must have some vapor blow off around my oil fill cap because I can't go a week and its dirty with obvious coating of oil. I've also pulled my IM cover to see if the valve cover is leaking, but again, nothing there. I've looked everywhere and I can't find any leaks around my fill cap.
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From: Toronto, Canada
But how do you know its not the valve cover?
I just came across April Acura Service news bulletin and there's a section in there stating that what may look like a leak from the Head Cover Gasket could be a a residual oil trail from the oil cap. The bulletin applies to anything with a 2.4.
From the bulletin.....
Apparently 80% of replaced head gaskets have no trouble found.
I removed the cover on the weekend and didn't see a trail from the oil fill gap to below and my engine is I think way too dirty for it to simply be a leak from the cap.
I just came across April Acura Service news bulletin and there's a section in there stating that what may look like a leak from the Head Cover Gasket could be a a residual oil trail from the oil cap. The bulletin applies to anything with a 2.4.
From the bulletin.....
From dealer visits, we've pinpointed the problem to residual oil around the oil fill hole and around the dipstick tube. It makes a trail around the head cover, and with the engine cover in place, it looks like the head gasket is leaking.
I removed the cover on the weekend and didn't see a trail from the oil fill gap to below and my engine is I think way too dirty for it to simply be a leak from the cap.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Pomona, CA
Can't speak specifically of the TSX, but on the Accord/Element/CRV/Civic K-Series engines, I've seen the valve cover gasket start to leak. Usually seems to occur where there's a slight uneven sealing surface where the head meets the timing chain cover. A fresh gasket and a thin dab of Hondabond on this seam does the trick.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,594
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From: Cincinnati, OH
Originally Posted by dom
But how do you know its not the valve cover?
I just came across April Acura Service news bulletin and there's a section in there stating that what may look like a leak from the Head Cover Gasket could be a a residual oil trail from the oil cap. The bulletin applies to anything with a 2.4.
I just came across April Acura Service news bulletin and there's a section in there stating that what may look like a leak from the Head Cover Gasket could be a a residual oil trail from the oil cap. The bulletin applies to anything with a 2.4.
Guess I'll be making a stop by and asking the dealer for a new cap.
EDIT: Went to search for the TSB and the only one I found was a/f sensor replacement due to too much water in the exhaust system. Didn't see this one.
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From: Toronto, Canada
The whole thing. Problem is. There is no solution given. Doesn't say replacing the oil cap with help.
Leaking Head Cover Gasket
May Just Be a Residual Oil Trail
Currently Applies To: ’04–08 TSX
Lately, we’ve been seeing a rise in warranty claims
for replacement of leaking head cover gaskets. Most
of those claims were for repairs that were done
around the first oil change interval. Results of
Warranty Parts Inspection (WPI) analysis shows that
over 80 percent of those head cover gaskets tested
No Trouble Found (NTF).
From dealer visits, we’ve pinpointed the problem to
residual oil around the oil fill hole and the oil dipstick
tube. It makes a trail around the head cover, and with
the engine cover in place, it looks like the head cover
gasket is leaking
If you think you’ve got a leaking head cover gasket,
don’t rush off to replace it. Instead, pull the engine
cover and look for a trail of residual oil stemming
from the oil fill hole and the dipstick tube. If that’s
what you see, clean it off and you’re done with this
repair. Of course, if it looks like there’s really a leak,
then replace the gasket. But keep in mind that if you
return a gasket to WPI and it winds up testing NTF,
your claim will be debited.
May Just Be a Residual Oil Trail
Currently Applies To: ’04–08 TSX
Lately, we’ve been seeing a rise in warranty claims
for replacement of leaking head cover gaskets. Most
of those claims were for repairs that were done
around the first oil change interval. Results of
Warranty Parts Inspection (WPI) analysis shows that
over 80 percent of those head cover gaskets tested
No Trouble Found (NTF).
From dealer visits, we’ve pinpointed the problem to
residual oil around the oil fill hole and the oil dipstick
tube. It makes a trail around the head cover, and with
the engine cover in place, it looks like the head cover
gasket is leaking
If you think you’ve got a leaking head cover gasket,
don’t rush off to replace it. Instead, pull the engine
cover and look for a trail of residual oil stemming
from the oil fill hole and the dipstick tube. If that’s
what you see, clean it off and you’re done with this
repair. Of course, if it looks like there’s really a leak,
then replace the gasket. But keep in mind that if you
return a gasket to WPI and it winds up testing NTF,
your claim will be debited.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,594
Likes: 4
From: Cincinnati, OH
Oh.. now I better understand it. What they are really saying is, "our mechanic spilled oil when filling and that is running down the side of the valve cover to the gasket and making its way around to the side where it is visible."
Good ole magic bullet theory. I know I have some sort of vapor issue b/c my refill cap is coated every time I open the hood and I clean it every time too. Might just be better off getting a new cap.
Good ole magic bullet theory. I know I have some sort of vapor issue b/c my refill cap is coated every time I open the hood and I clean it every time too. Might just be better off getting a new cap.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,644
Likes: 313
From: The Woodlands, TX
Needs to be addressed. My '99 Prelude that my son drives had a leak around the distributor which eventually found its way into the engine wire harness. This caused the O2 sensor to short and three sensors later it was suggested to switch out the wire bundle to the tune of $1470.15 (@ a discounted rate since I had a great service history). Ouch is all I can say.
Thread Starter
Senior Moderator
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 47,710
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From: Toronto, Canada
Ya, thats why I'm trying to figure out where the leak is coming from. I guess I'll just go ahead and replace the valve cover gasket since its only a $7 part and hope thats the one.
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