When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have 2003 Acura CL Type S with the 6 speed manual transmission with 233xxx miles that I have owned since 230xxx miles. When coming back to my car in a parking lot a few days ago, I notice some fluid running from below my car (not alot), so after checking the oil level, I decided to replace the mtf since I don't have the service history of the vehicle, I don't know when it was last changed. The fluid looked fine, a little sparkly, but no major chunks. Upon pouring into an old oil container, it looked like I had about 1.7 quart, and I've read that it should have about 2.7 quarts. I started refilling it and got it to just over 2 quarts, went to check the check bolt, and it was leaking a lot of fluid. It appears to be leaking from the seal between the sides of the transmission housing. I assume, based on how much oil is caked on the bottom of the transmission, the car has been leaking at least slightly since before I bought it.
I intend my next course of action to be removing the transmission and replacing all the seals. From what I understand, there is no "rebuild kit" you can just buy, but you can still buy the seals from Honda/Acura individually. Please confirm if this is accurate and if so what are all the seals in the transmission and is it worth the money to replace the bearings, shifter forks, and any other components while in there? For anyone reading this, giving a response or not, thank you for your time.
Fluid was flowing down the seam inside the red circle, looked like it was either leaking across the whole seam or just at the top.
^
The gray material highlighted by the yellow arrows is most likely an RTV material (Honda bond) providing a 'seal' between the machined surfaces of the trans housing & clutch housing. There is no fibrous 'gasket' type seal kit available that I know of.
As a result, here are OEM part vendor diagrams of the clutch housing & transmission housing below.
Use the links provided to explore the availability of any parts you need to replace for your CL-S6. Clutch Housing - 2003 Acura CL 2 Door SPORT KA 6MT
Oh okay, that makes sense that it’s a sealant type thing rather than a seal. So considering I’m not experiencing any major issues, are there any parts people generally recommend replacing while doing any transmission work?
^
It's up to you at 233K miles, though, I had my differential carrier beings & trans. CV shaft seals replaced in 2015 the last time I changed my clutch.
It is also a good time to change the rear main seal when the trans. is out.
RockAuto has the below clutch kit & flywheel also, it is the same OEM parts without the Acura / Honda $$ mark-up & brand on the box.
Some people say not to use the throw out being in the LUK clutch kit versus OEM.
I used the LUK throw out bearing and have had no problems so far.
Not sure of your experience level; however, just be careful when opening & closing this transmission. There are a lot of components that are OEM 'discontinued' should they break and may be difficult to find. If any thing like that happens, look at the Honda Accord 6MT's to compare & contrast components for availability.
Good Luck
By CV Shaft seals, do you mean the seal where the CV shafts come out of the Transmission? I definitely planned on replacing the rear main seal while having the transmission out, but the person I purchased the car from said the clutch was replaced at 210K miles so that should be good, but I can make that call once I have it out and can look at it. I would think I should just order every rubber seal that is available just to do that while I am in there, or is that not necessary or worth the time/money?
I don't have a ton of experience, but I have the service manual and intend to take my time. That makes sense and ultimately was how I figured I might have to get some parts, just wasn't sure of how similar they were.
Thank you for the help
By CV Shaft seals, do you mean the seal where the CV shafts come out of the Transmission?
Yes, #17 on the clutch housing diagram & #22 on the trans. housing diagram.
Originally Posted by Pixelpies
I would think I should just order every rubber seal that is available just to do that while I am in there, or is that not necessary or worth the time/money?
Study the transmission related categories, note the specific Acura part numbers for seals, o-rings etc desired; then google shop those part #'s for the best prices.
Don't forget to input the Acura part numbers into a Honda parts website, sometimes you can get reduced prices for the same OEM parts via Honda if they cross reference.
