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Recently went to AAA Auto Care for a routine oil change and they reported finding an oil leak that they believe is coming from the engine valve gasket. Would appreciate any insights based on these pics. Looking to sell the vehicle soon and hoping to avoid any major repair costs.
I'd be surprised if fixing a valve cover gasket is a "major" repair, cost-wise. Did they give you a cost estimate?
Depending on how you plan to sell the car (private party vs trade-in or dealer sale), this is the type of thing that could spook a buyer. If it were me, I'd get a couple of cost estimates from independent shops and make a decision based on that.
At first glance, I agree with Pair of TLs, especially since you are not finding any oil on the garage floor. When was the last time you had the oil changed? And what is your oil level at?
It's hard to tell with the pictures, but given the fact there is oil above where the filter seats to the housing, I'd venture to say the leak is probably coming from where the filter housing connects the oil pump/engine. See this pic, the gasket #9 specifically https://www.oemacuraparts.com/v-2016...ne--oil-pump-2
It's relatively common for people with a J series to reseal their oil pumps.
Your oil pan itself looks clean in that last pic, if your valve cover gaskets were leaking, the leaks *typically* make their way to the lowest point of the engine, and i'd expect that area to be at least a little dirty.
I also agree with a Pair of TLs. When you change your oil filter (which you said AAA Auto Care just did), you can't help but spilling a little oil down on that cross member when you spin the filter off. I aways get oil right there when I change my oil. I also always clean it up so it is dry before the job is done. Since you don't have any leakage on the garage floor, hopefully you don't have an active leak.
Your last pick looks like your oil change guy didn't even wait for the filter to stop draining up near the gasket and spun it off while it was still draining. Hence the splatter on the splash guard. Don't know how else the oil could have got there.
I would get under the car with some rags and a can of engine degreaser and clean the mess up. Then watch the area after an hour or so of driving. If more oil doesn't appear, don't go back to AAA Auto care. They obviously didn't finish the job. If the oil comes back then the SauceBoss may be.correct on the oil filter housing to block gasket. This gasket is not easy to replace as I think the timing belt covers (and crankshaft fully) need to come off to get to some of the bolts. Unless it is making a serious mess, do this job when you replace the timing belt.
Looks like either a defective or improperly installed oil filter. Happened to me right after an oil change. Went back to the dealer, they replaced the filter and the oil again, no more leaking.
Looks like either a defective or improperly installed oil filter. Happened to me right after an oil change. Went back to the dealer, they replaced the filter and the oil again, no more leaking.
The pictures clearly show that the filter is clean and dry.
After getting a few quotes running from $1000 down to $560, I got the engine valve gaskets (2) replaced at an independent shop dedicated to Acura/Honda + other Japanese cars here in Atlanta for $560. They confirmed that the front gasket was leaking (also noted that the oil filter was dry) and given minimal additional cost recommended replacing both. The hard part was disassembly and reassembly of the engine parts to get to the gaskets. What was really nice is that they diagnosed and repaired the same day without appointment and within a 2-2.5 hour window. And they did a nice job of cleaning up the engine compartment after the job.
i did notice some oil drops on my garage floor prior to oil change (so I am betting that the oil change guys discovered a valid issue), and after the oil change I noticed a few drops as well (was tracking via fresh cardboard both laid flat underneath engine). I have found no further leaking since the gaskets were replaced.
Thought about selling/trading in the car soon afterwards without replacing the gaskets, but felt it was too risky and might jeopardize the sale. Now happily driving the RDX again while waiting a few more weeks for a new car that I ordered to arrive.
After getting a few quotes running from $1000 down to $560, I got the engine valve gaskets (2) replaced at an independent shop dedicated to Acura/Honda + other Japanese cars here in Atlanta for $560. They confirmed that the front gasket was leaking (also noted that the oil filter was dry) and given minimal additional cost recommended replacing both. The hard part was disassembly and reassembly of the engine parts to get to the gaskets. What was really nice is that they diagnosed and repaired the same day without appointment and within a 2-2.5 hour window. And they did a nice job of cleaning up the engine compartment after the job.
i did notice some oil drops on my garage floor prior to oil change (so I am betting that the oil change guys discovered a valid issue), and after the oil change I noticed a few drops as well (was tracking via fresh cardboard both laid flat underneath engine). I have found no further leaking since the gaskets were replaced.
Thought about selling/trading in the car soon afterwards without replacing the gaskets, but felt it was too risky and might jeopardize the sale. Now happily driving the RDX again while waiting a few more weeks for a new car that I ordered to arrive.
Sounds like a reasonable solution. This gives you confidence in your car and will be a positive rather than a negative when it comes time to sell!
02-09-2022, 05:36 AM
