What is the expected fix for an oil leak from the block that drips onto the exhaust? I complained of a burning oil odor on at least two visits (documented) to the dealership and no problem could be found. At a routine oil change, my neighborhood mechanic found the leak and referred me back to Acura. Although I had 51k miles on the car, the dealership attempted to fix the leak with something called a "JB weld" (?). 8k miles later the leak is back and the car is again at the dealership. Can anyone advise me as to what I should expect and what is appropriate? I love my TLS (2003) but this really has me worried.

 

I cant believe the dealer tried to fix it with JB Weld. First you have to know where or what is leaking the oil.

 

From where was it leaking?

 

Looks like the dealer is trying to do a quick fix, enough to get by since they realize you are almost out of warranty. That could be the one of the extensive labor fixes called something like rear cam seal, something like that.

 

bring it back and ask to speak with the service manager and explain the situation and that the mechanic you spoke with admitted using JB weld, which is a cold weld used for little stuff not to seal a friggin oil leak. That dealership is really trying to screw and play on your ignorance of cars. Don't let them do this to you.

 

Thanks to all who responded. I'm picking up the car tomorrow after yet another JB weld repair, this time at the back of the engine block. Apparently the engine block is literally porous. These leaks are more like seepage and are occurring from different areas of the block. The service manager is involved and talked to the regional representative of Am. Honda. Basically, I'm on my own. The dealership "fixed" my car as a courtesy because I had 51k miles on the car when they finally diagnosed the problem after my neighborhood mechanic said, "well here it is" and produced a service bulletin dated Feb. 2004!!! I first brought my complaint to them at 30k miles. The dealership performed work on a half shaft thingy and a timing belt tensioner do dad after I complained of an odor of burning oil. No one ever mentioned a bulletin related to this engine block problem prior to 50k miles. I am going to call Honda HQ tomorrow and start a case or file about this. I cannot believe this is happening. Let's see...a Ford, Chevy..Yugo or an Acura. Let me think....

 

rear main seal?

 

Because you took it in and documented the leak well before warranty time or mileage limit- and they could not find- its on them to fix it now and do it right
Nowhere in any Acura bulletin does it say use JB weld
(a 2 part epoxy/glue repair for emergency use on old crap you need to fix)

If you have cracks in the block- Acura needs to honor its warranty

This is like a transmission failing that cant be reproduced at dealer then fails 100 miles after warranty- they are on the hook-
Call Acura at 1-800-382-2238 x5 with VIN number in hand
Have names of who you dealt with.
This results in instant emails to Managers all over Acura and to the dealer

 

Actually, Acura has deemed J.B.Weld a proper repair for three of the six oil leaks described in T.S.B. 01-041 Feb 20, 04. The bulletin specifies it by brand name. The three other leak areas are addressed with sealer coated bolts. If I were in your shoes I'd be skeptical too, but I've actually used this product with success in similar situations. I doubt you will get the new engine we all think you deserve, but they do have to stop the oil leak somehow.

 

I have a copy of the bulletin you referenced that specifies the JB weld repair. The last area of leakage/seepage was found in two areas in the back of the engine block near the intake manifold. Of course they cannot guarantee the block will not leak again. However, if it does leak they want me to bring the car back to them for future repairs. The regional parts and service manager has determined that the correct thing to do is the JB weld technique. I have contacted Honda HQs and started a case file regarding this entire matter. I am hopeful (but not deluded) that Honda will do the right thing.

Thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate your comments.

 

Well, I contacted Acura customer care and submitted the requested documentation, etc. They believe everything is being done according the Honda specs and will take no further action. My next step is the BBB - auto line. That's going to take awhile. Maybe the leaks will stop.

 

Maybe they didn't make sure the block was absolutely clean before applying the JB weld.