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04 TL w/128k miles on it. It started leaking/dripping oil a little here and there about 15k miles ago. I had originally attributed it to reusing the crush washer when I did my last two oil changes. For the last 5k miles or so it has been dripping a lot more though, to the point where my driveway is lined with half dollar sized oil spots down the right side from every place I've parked over the last few months.
I couldn't see anything from under the hood with all the plastic covers everywhere, so I took a look under the car and it looks as though there is oil running down the passenger side frame rail and dripping at the lowest point just aft of the wheel. The fact that it's running down the frame tells me can't be leaking from the drain plug area... right?
Anyone have any idea where it could be leaking from? It is definitely motor oil. Also I checked the oil filter through the wheel well and it is dry. After just dropping $3k on a new transmission, I am hoping this is something minor...
I did consider the rear main as a potential for a leak, however I thought the rear main was located on the drivers side of the car with the way our engine is mounted. Is that correct?
Could the oil possibly run to the passenger side of the car before it drips?
My next step is going to be to jack up the car and clean it all so I can better determine the source. Are there any common sources of oil leaks on these cars? Is the rear main known to fail?
yes, the rear main seal would be on the driver side. check your oil sending unit, not uncommon to start leaking. Mine did and a new sensor was all that was needed
yes, the rear main seal would be on the driver side. check your oil sending unit, not uncommon to start leaking. Mine did and a new sensor was all that was needed
Why would oil leak because of a bad sensor? Seems odd, no?
I'm actually having the very same issue. I see there is oil all over the passenger side of my engine bay and trickling down the suspension bits, but I couldn't tell where it is coming from. I was wondering if it was the VTEC solenoid, but I believe it was clean.
Also, what part number are you referring to in the link you provided? Is it #16? Curious to know how much this will cost.
OP, keep us posted with what you find and/or fix!!!
From the diagram, 3, 11, 14, 15, 22, and 26 are all possibilities. Everything except 3 and 22 are easy & cheap. 3 and 22 are cheap parts, but labor intensive. Clean the area off really good with brake cleaner and try to isolate it.
I was leaking oil at the same location and it turned out to be my oil pump seal. Had to replace the seal and ended up replacing the pump as-well. Hope this is not the case!
I was leaking oil at the same location and it turned out to be my oil pump seal. Had to replace the seal and ended up replacing the pump as-well. Hope this is not the case!
Why would oil leak because of a bad sensor? Seems odd, no?
I'm actually having the very same issue. I see there is oil all over the passenger side of my engine bay and trickling down the suspension bits, but I couldn't tell where it is coming from. I was wondering if it was the VTEC solenoid, but I believe it was clean.
Also, what part number are you referring to in the link you provided? Is it #16? Curious to know how much this will cost.
OP, keep us posted with what you find and/or fix!!!
oil senders leak and so do the pumps in my case it was the oil sender and I had it replaced. no more leaks.
I recently had my t-belt replaced. I had the same oil leak as you. My Honda mechanic resealed the oil pump housing and the oil pan since everything was taken apart. When I got home, I pressure washed the area where it was leaking. Going on two months now, not a single oil leak. Yes the labor is extensive, but that what the root cause is. Unfortunately, these cars done have gaskets on these prime areas, instead they use Honda Bond. Good Luck.
There was a similar looking leak on my 2004 TL that turned out to be a leaking oil pump. Before you or someone else condemns it, think about it logically and jack it up for a viewing if you can. Is there oil around the area where the oil pan meets the engine block (leaking oil pan liquid gasket)? The oil pump is located above the oil pan on the right side by the crankshaft pulley (large pulley on the bottom). Consider washing the damp area, drying it, turning it on, and then tracing the leak. It could be other things too such as a leaking rear cylinder head (unlikely due to location) or just a simple pressure switch gasket (V-tec I believe).
Last edited by Acurafan86; 09-26-2014 at 09:28 PM.
could it be leaking from the oil filter? that is the vicinity of the area you describe.
Mine definitely isn't leaking from the oil filter. That was my first guess and hope because it'd be super easy to fix. My filter is completely dry on the outside.
I haven't had the time to check in detail yet, but I presume it's from my oil pump, which kinda makes me mad since I had the timing belt recently replaced. I regret cheaping out on not getting the pump replaced as now I have to go back in. Sigh...
Lesson? Don't be a cheap ass and do it right the first time, lol.
09-25-2014, 09:54 AM
