Hi,
Today I was checking my 2007 acura tl engine bay and I noticed the area around the CAT is very greasy. Pictures are attached. Is this normal or my engine is leaking oil? Thanks.

 

Looks like your valve cover gasket is leaking.

 

Thanks WDPanda.

 

Pro tip: don't get cheap valve cover gaskets.

Beck-Arnley from Rock Auto: would not sit flat, no clocking bumps, completely wrong cross-section shape vs Acura: fit exactly flat, clocking bumps fit into notches perfectly, stepped cross-section shape snugs into cover.


While you have the intake manifold off, clean it out of oil residue. Maybe paint it if you have time.

Other parts to replace while doing the job:
PCV valve & breather hoses, spark plugs, look around for any dry & cracked hoses.

 

Thanks so much Catzilla. I bought this 2007 acura tl almost 2 years ago with 127,000 miles. Within this 2 years I have spent almost 4000 USD more on repairs (radiator, timing belt, firewall cat, callipers, rotors...). Now this gasket issue. Do all 3rd gen acura tls this frustrating? Still I love my TL tho (when drives, drives like a champ). Here is a pic.

 

a used car that was abused /aka not maintained by the PO is not necessarily a testament to the 'quality' of a manufacturer..

 

@tousif54, no, not all are that frustrating; my 2006 with mileage in the mid-160,000 range is pretty rock solid. That said, the cam seals are weeping oil so when timing belt time comes around I'll be doing those, the front main seal, resealing the oil pump, and all other hoses, belts and coolant; then there was the time the clutch needed replacing..., I did all six engine/transmission mounts, the stabilizer bar bushings and end links, the rear main seal, and a few other maintenance items which are easier to do with the transmission out of the car. That said, my car appeared to have an easy life with it's original owner and was in great shape when I bought it with 114,000 miles on it. While I was shopping I looked at over 100 cars, literally, and trust me, not all owners are created equal, some of the cars looked and drove like they were fresh off the showroom, others looked and drove like they had a half-million miles on them.

 

So true guys. I am the fourth owner. No matter how much care I put to it, it's not enough. POs must have screwed this car pretty badly. Thanks.