The Civic begins to show its age......

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Chris Meutsch

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Feb 27, 2006
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Changed the oil about an hour ago. I now have oil seeping out from two areas, it appears. One area (which I knew about before today)is below what I assume is the camshaft seal on the left top side of the cover (if you're looking under the hood). This has been seeping for about 50k.
However, this has never created oil residue anywhere else.
Now, I've got what I'd call noticeable/significant seepage around the front side of the oil pan gasket.

The options:
1. Have it looked at by my mechanic to see if it's something to be repaired properly.
2. Go with GTX high-mileage 5w20 as I didn't see any other High Mileage oil in this grade.
3. Auto RX?

I have used synthetic oil from 28k to now @ 165,200k.

Now is NOT the time for costly repairs but I'm partial to keeping this car running properly until I can afford something else. Right now, that may never happen!
 
Since you have just changed the oil, I would vote for the Auto Rx.

I am using it on my Taurus 130,000 miles total, 1500 miles through my first clean phase, and am so far impressed with the results.

It is much less expensive than a mechanic. And it will do a better job cleaning everything than the High Mileage oils.

Go over to the Auto RX website and read about the high mileage application. You will need 2 bottles to start with.
 
Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
Since you have just changed the oil, I would vote for the Auto Rx.

I am using it on my Taurus 130,000 miles total, 1500 miles through my first clean phase, and am so far impressed with the results.

It is much less expensive than a mechanic. And it will do a better job cleaning everything than the High Mileage oils.

Go over to the Auto RX website and read about the high mileage application. You will need 2 bottles to start with.

X2
 
Originally Posted By: Donald
Auto-Rx and maybe try and snug up oil pan bolts.


Auto-RX didn't do a [censored] thing for seepage everywhere around my Dad's truck. Rear main seal still leaks like a faucet along with various other spots. As logn as the oil level isn't dropping dramatically, I'd just live with it. Next time you get the timing belt done, you can add some RTV across the camshaft plug when putting the valvecover back on. Every manual I've seen shows to do that.
 
Is it losing oil during a normal OCI with the seepage, where you have to add more oil to maintain the proper level?
 
Fred: My gaskets have hardened and now are leaking oil.

Bob: Why Fred, try this magic elixer! It's the BEES KNEES! It cleans, it swells, it's like new engine in a bottle!!!

Fred: My mechanic told me I need new gaskets?? They are $30.00 and two hours to install. Going to run me like $150.00 total!

Rob: Naw Fred, just run XtraSuperPMAXXXX Life oil! It'll swell those gaskets like Rita McNeil's maxi pads during her heavy cycle... Oh wait, every cycle is "heavy" for her! HAR HAR HAR!!!

Fred: Well, I spent $30.00 on the XtraSuperPMAXXXX oil change. It was still leaking. So then I went and spent another $30.00 on the special elixer. And it's still leaking. So now I guess I have to get it fixed?

Rob and Bob: ......... Maybe you didn't run it long enough? You need another cycle!

________________________________________________________________

Why is it that the RIGHT way of dealing with gasket and seal leaks is so looked down upon?

You REPLACE the gasket. Problem solved. Yeah, it is probably going to cost more. Yeah, it is a lot more inconvenient. But it FIXES the problem and isn't some half-assed temporary solution that isn't going to hold up.

Gaskets deteriorate (especially cork ones) and seals harden. There is no magic formula that is going to restore them to like new condition. You are just prolonging the inevitable and spending more money doing so.

I fail to see why the correct, and guaranteed not to fail solution is always pushed to the side for some half-assed "fix" that is temporary at best.
 
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Originally Posted By: Donald
Auto-Rx and maybe try and snug up oil pan bolts.


Auto-RX didn't do a [censored] thing for seepage everywhere around my Dad's truck. Rear main seal still leaks like a faucet along with various other spots. As logn as the oil level isn't dropping dramatically, I'd just live with it. Next time you get the timing belt done, you can add some RTV across the camshaft plug when putting the valvecover back on. Every manual I've seen shows to do that.


I'm inclined to vote with you. Timing belt will be done at about 185k, or about June with my travels.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Fred: My gaskets have hardened and now are leaking oil.

Bob: Why Fred, try this magic elixer! It's the BEES KNEES! It cleans, it swells, it's like new engine in a bottle!!!

Fred: My mechanic told me I need new gaskets?? They are $30.00 and two hours to install. Going to run me like $150.00 total!

Rob: Naw Fred, just run XtraSuperPMAXXXX Life oil! It'll swell those gaskets like Rita McNeil's maxi pads during her heavy cycle... Oh wait, every cycle is "heavy" for her! HAR HAR HAR!!!

Fred: Well, I spent $30.00 on the XtraSuperPMAXXXX oil change. It was still leaking. So then I went and spent another $30.00 on the special elixer. And it's still leaking. So now I guess I have to get it fixed?

Rob and Bob: ......... Maybe you didn't run it long enough? You need another cycle!

________________________________________________________________

Why is it that the RIGHT way of dealing with gasket and seal leaks is so looked down upon?

You REPLACE the gasket. Problem solved. Yeah, it is probably going to cost more. Yeah, it is a lot more inconvenient. But it FIXES the problem and isn't some half-assed temporary solution that isn't going to hold up.

Gaskets deteriorate (especially cork ones) and seals harden. There is no magic formula that is going to restore them to like new condition. You are just prolonging the inevitable and spending more money doing so.

I fail to see why the correct, and guaranteed not to fail solution is always pushed to the side for some half-assed "fix" that is temporary at best.


LOL Overkill ! Your comments make my day!

Too many a time I see folks here resort to 10-min gratification in-a-can or OTC instead of properly fixing the problem. And when those solutions fail to properly remedy the problem (most likely they will not, for the nature of the problem requires prompt solution), they post all over the place crying foul about s0-n-s0 OTC/10-min gratification in-a-can failed to even make his wife smile, letting alone fixing the leak.

IMHO cut the crab and just deal with the root cause of the matter: if it needs a seal, replace a seal; if it requires a full V/C set with spark plug tube gaskets (or doughnuts), cut to the chase and fix it. Don't just fool with half-ash monkey jobs in hopes of slowing down the problem.

Good riddance!

19.gif

Q.
 
Originally Posted By: Spartuss
Is it losing oil during a normal OCI with the seepage, where you have to add more oil to maintain the proper level?


1. PCV was changed at 85k and will be changed again when timing belt is again. OEM Honda metal valve.
2. It was losing about a quart per 10k. Recently over the past 4-6k, it seems like it's losing more than that.
 
Originally Posted By: Quest
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Fred: My gaskets have hardened and now are leaking oil.

Bob: Why Fred, try this magic elixer! It's the BEES KNEES! It cleans, it swells, it's like new engine in a bottle!!!

Fred: My mechanic told me I need new gaskets?? They are $30.00 and two hours to install. Going to run me like $150.00 total!

Rob: Naw Fred, just run XtraSuperPMAXXXX Life oil! It'll swell those gaskets like Rita McNeil's maxi pads during her heavy cycle... Oh wait, every cycle is "heavy" for her! HAR HAR HAR!!!

Fred: Well, I spent $30.00 on the XtraSuperPMAXXXX oil change. It was still leaking. So then I went and spent another $30.00 on the special elixer. And it's still leaking. So now I guess I have to get it fixed?

Rob and Bob: ......... Maybe you didn't run it long enough? You need another cycle!

________________________________________________________________

Why is it that the RIGHT way of dealing with gasket and seal leaks is so looked down upon?

You REPLACE the gasket. Problem solved. Yeah, it is probably going to cost more. Yeah, it is a lot more inconvenient. But it FIXES the problem and isn't some half-assed temporary solution that isn't going to hold up.

Gaskets deteriorate (especially cork ones) and seals harden. There is no magic formula that is going to restore them to like new condition. You are just prolonging the inevitable and spending more money doing so.

I fail to see why the correct, and guaranteed not to fail solution is always pushed to the side for some half-assed "fix" that is temporary at best.


LOL Overkill ! Your comments make my day!

Too many a time I see folks here resort to 10-min gratification in-a-can or OTC instead of properly fixing the problem. And when those solutions fail to properly remedy the problem (most likely they will not, for the nature of the problem requires prompt solution), they post all over the place crying foul about s0-n-s0 OTC/10-min gratification in-a-can failed to even make his wife smile, letting alone fixing the leak.

IMHO cut the crab and just deal with the root cause of the matter: if it needs a seal, replace a seal; if it requires a full V/C set with spark plug tube gaskets (or doughnuts), cut to the chase and fix it. Don't just fool with half-ash monkey jobs in hopes of slowing down the problem.

Good riddance!

19.gif

Q.


FINE. I'll get it fixed. I really want to do it properly anyway. Problem is my mechanic is expensive but won't screw me.

Mortgage, I'll be in touch. Right now, just sit tight and don't be more than 3 months late.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris Meutsch
Originally Posted By: Quest
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Fred: My gaskets have hardened and now are leaking oil.

Bob: Why Fred, try this magic elixer! It's the BEES KNEES! It cleans, it swells, it's like new engine in a bottle!!!

Fred: My mechanic told me I need new gaskets?? They are $30.00 and two hours to install. Going to run me like $150.00 total!

Rob: Naw Fred, just run XtraSuperPMAXXXX Life oil! It'll swell those gaskets like Rita McNeil's maxi pads during her heavy cycle... Oh wait, every cycle is "heavy" for her! HAR HAR HAR!!!

Fred: Well, I spent $30.00 on the XtraSuperPMAXXXX oil change. It was still leaking. So then I went and spent another $30.00 on the special elixer. And it's still leaking. So now I guess I have to get it fixed?

Rob and Bob: ......... Maybe you didn't run it long enough? You need another cycle!

________________________________________________________________

Why is it that the RIGHT way of dealing with gasket and seal leaks is so looked down upon?

You REPLACE the gasket. Problem solved. Yeah, it is probably going to cost more. Yeah, it is a lot more inconvenient. But it FIXES the problem and isn't some half-assed temporary solution that isn't going to hold up.

Gaskets deteriorate (especially cork ones) and seals harden. There is no magic formula that is going to restore them to like new condition. You are just prolonging the inevitable and spending more money doing so.

I fail to see why the correct, and guaranteed not to fail solution is always pushed to the side for some half-assed "fix" that is temporary at best.


LOL Overkill ! Your comments make my day!

Too many a time I see folks here resort to 10-min gratification in-a-can or OTC instead of properly fixing the problem. And when those solutions fail to properly remedy the problem (most likely they will not, for the nature of the problem requires prompt solution), they post all over the place crying foul about s0-n-s0 OTC/10-min gratification in-a-can failed to even make his wife smile, letting alone fixing the leak.

IMHO cut the crab and just deal with the root cause of the matter: if it needs a seal, replace a seal; if it requires a full V/C set with spark plug tube gaskets (or doughnuts), cut to the chase and fix it. Don't just fool with half-ash monkey jobs in hopes of slowing down the problem.

Good riddance!

19.gif

Q.


FINE. I'll get it fixed. I really want to do it properly anyway. Problem is my mechanic is expensive but won't screw me.

Mortgage, I'll be in touch. Right now, just sit tight and don't be more than 3 months late.


Chris:

I just want to make sure you understand my comment was not directed at you.

Whenever somebody has a problem that has to do with a gasket or seal leaking, it seems 15 people chime in rhyming off different products that they can dump in their oil that "will fix it". But of course, even if they DO stop the leak, the effect is only temporary.

There seems to be some sort of issue with doing it right. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been the only guy in the thread (with the exception of the one guy that agreed with me) recommending the correct solution.
 
AutoRX must be some great stuff. I've seen it recommended around here for curing engine noises, fixing gaskets, addressing driveability issues... I hope word about autorx doesn't get around in the trucking industry- I'll be out of a job.

It's a mechanic-in-a-can!!!
 
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Chris Meutsch
Originally Posted By: Quest
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Fred: My gaskets have hardened and now are leaking oil.

Bob: Why Fred, try this magic elixer! It's the BEES KNEES! It cleans, it swells, it's like new engine in a bottle!!!

Fred: My mechanic told me I need new gaskets?? They are $30.00 and two hours to install. Going to run me like $150.00 total!

Rob: Naw Fred, just run XtraSuperPMAXXXX Life oil! It'll swell those gaskets like Rita McNeil's maxi pads during her heavy cycle... Oh wait, every cycle is "heavy" for her! HAR HAR HAR!!!

Fred: Well, I spent $30.00 on the XtraSuperPMAXXXX oil change. It was still leaking. So then I went and spent another $30.00 on the special elixer. And it's still leaking. So now I guess I have to get it fixed?

Rob and Bob: ......... Maybe you didn't run it long enough? You need another cycle!

________________________________________________________________

Why is it that the RIGHT way of dealing with gasket and seal leaks is so looked down upon?

You REPLACE the gasket. Problem solved. Yeah, it is probably going to cost more. Yeah, it is a lot more inconvenient. But it FIXES the problem and isn't some half-assed temporary solution that isn't going to hold up.

Gaskets deteriorate (especially cork ones) and seals harden. There is no magic formula that is going to restore them to like new condition. You are just prolonging the inevitable and spending more money doing so.

I fail to see why the correct, and guaranteed not to fail solution is always pushed to the side for some half-assed "fix" that is temporary at best.


LOL Overkill ! Your comments make my day!

Too many a time I see folks here resort to 10-min gratification in-a-can or OTC instead of properly fixing the problem. And when those solutions fail to properly remedy the problem (most likely they will not, for the nature of the problem requires prompt solution), they post all over the place crying foul about s0-n-s0 OTC/10-min gratification in-a-can failed to even make his wife smile, letting alone fixing the leak.

IMHO cut the crab and just deal with the root cause of the matter: if it needs a seal, replace a seal; if it requires a full V/C set with spark plug tube gaskets (or doughnuts), cut to the chase and fix it. Don't just fool with half-ash monkey jobs in hopes of slowing down the problem.

Good riddance!

19.gif

Q.


FINE. I'll get it fixed. I really want to do it properly anyway. Problem is my mechanic is expensive but won't screw me.

Mortgage, I'll be in touch. Right now, just sit tight and don't be more than 3 months late.


Chris:

I just want to make sure you understand my comment was not directed at you.

Whenever somebody has a problem that has to do with a gasket or seal leaking, it seems 15 people chime in rhyming off different products that they can dump in their oil that "will fix it". But of course, even if they DO stop the leak, the effect is only temporary.

There seems to be some sort of issue with doing it right. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been the only guy in the thread (with the exception of the one guy that agreed with me) recommending the correct solution.


That's exactly the problem, no one wants to fix their car the right way anymore.
57.gif
It's all about cheap fixes.

I agree though, replace that gasket!
 
The oil pan gasket is pretty simple to change and if you can change the oil you can change the oil pan gasket. So I would not suggest Auto-Rx to fix that even if it could. Its a $10 (guess) gasket and an hour of work, but no real skill, except to not to over tighten the bolts.

Some of the other seals are a real pain and expensive to replace and one might try Auto-Rx to see what it can do. If the seal still leaks after Auto-Rx, then your engine is a lot cleaner and you are out $20.
 
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