1998 Accord 4 cyl oil leaks advice

[JeffKeryk]

I am fixing up a 1998 Accord LX 2.3L VTEC 4 banger for my friend's daughter. This was my folks car, I gave it to my friend Cindy after they passed away. Cindy passed last week from the big C. Needs tires and alignment, rest is pretty good.

I will get underneath it tomorrow, clean it up and try to determine the leak. From past work, it seems to be coming from the rear, but that remains to be seen.

Any guidance based on your Honda experience on what to look for? How about that leak dye stuff?
I appreciate your help.

 

[ripcord]

A couple of cans of engine degreaser is always a good place to start.

 

[AKhan87]

How about that leak dye stuff?

that's up to you, but just cleaning that area really well and then re-checking in 100-200 miles, I have been able to identify leaks. I don't know of anyone who uses it, just clean everything and re-check soon enough.

 

[brages]

I am sorry for the losses in your life.

If you have a real "gusher" of an oil leak, there is a seal on the balance shaft (IIRC) under the timing belt cover that can pop out. I believe there was a metal clip that you could put in to help hold the seal in place.

There is a VTEC spool valve assembly on the back that can leak. I think it's one of these Honda deals where the rubber gasket gets hard and leaks and if you put in a cheap replacement (fake OEM on eBay for example) it's going to leak in a year or two. But if you can get a genuine Honda gasket, you might get many years of leak-free performance. (On our Ody, you had to buy the whole valve - Honda wouldn't sell the gasket by itself).

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Sorry for your loss

The leak dye is a good place to start.

 

[The Critic]

None of us have seen the car, but if I had to guess, probably need to start with #6, #7, 25, and 26. Hopefully the rear main seal was already replaced when the transmission(s) were replaced.

https://www.hondapartsnow.com/parts...x-ka_4at/engine/oil_pump_oil_strainer_l4.html

 

[Starving Electrician]

On Hondas back side of the engine oil leak is almost always the VTEC Solenoid gasket. Replacing those is basically a maintenance item on Hondas.

 

[dogememe]

On Hondas back side of the engine oil leak is almost always the VTEC Solenoid gasket. Replacing those is basically a maintenance item on Hondas.

Yeah, we sell a ton of those!

 

[wlk]

I am fixing up a 1998 Accord LX 2.3L VTEC 4 banger for my friend's daughter. This was my folks car, I gave it to my friend Cindy after they passed away. Cindy passed last week from the big C. Needs tires and alignment, rest is pretty good.

I will get underneath it tomorrow, clean it up and try to determine the leak. From past work, it seems to be coming from the rear, but that remains to be seen.

Any guidance based on your Honda experience on what to look for? How about that leak dye stuff?
I appreciate your help.

I had a 95 Accord and it was the Vtec solenoid, dried up and valve cover gasket. Run some High Mileage oil, I am partial to red bottle Maxlife or add a can of LM Motor Oil Saver to whichever oil you use. Both of these have worked very well for me over the years.
Sorry for your friend, i have lost many family members and friends to it as well.

 

[Nukeman7]

The 2.3 liter 4 cyl. on 1998-2002 Accords almost always leak from the VTEC solenoid with age and/or high mileage. Here is a video that shows how to replace the gaskets.

 

[mclasser]

Another vote for the VTEC solenoid gasket. Makes a real mess when it goes.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Yeah, they leak and make a loud claking noise when temps fall below 40 degrees. Not harmful, but annoying. Poor design.