Bad oil leak from under the car?

Tiny
WAMBIE29
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 199,578 MILES
Hi, I have a really bad oil leak and my dad just replaced the oil pan gasket with a new one but after just finishing up and putting oil in the car, the oil was dripping in between the metal plates by the catalytic converter pole by the front. Should it be doing that as it’s fresh and I started the car up. I want to know what could be the cause of this?
Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 4:42 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

No, the leak shouldn't be there. I attached a pic below showing the entire exhaust system. Copy my pic, circle where you see the leak, and then upload it for me to see.

The idea that it is getting near the catalytic converter tells me the leak is likely up high on the engine and not the pan. If I recall, the converter sits approximately under the front seat location. Was it dripping prior to starting the engine?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
WAMBIE29
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Sorry for the late response, but now we are thinking it’s coming from the rear main seal and we just put the oil in the car after finishing up the oil pan gasket in that same day which was about 4 and half quart. But now after a couple (3) weeks since putting the oil in, the oil light comes on flashing to put oil in. So still losing a lot of oil and adding more oil but we are now thinking that it’s the rear main seal that has to be fix as it’s an old car. Plus when I got the car, the leak was small and not a lot but now it’s worse. It’s leaking from the front bottom passenger side. Also to note, my dad noticed as he was moving the oil pan gasket that oil was coming from the shift gear underneath or emergency brake wires (something maybe). Will still be looking to hear a reply back. Thanks again.
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Friday, December 1st, 2023 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
WAMBIE29
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The picture is upside down. Also, after putting oil in the car, we did not check to see if it was dripping but after we started the car, we noticed it was dripping oil like a little was coming out between the metal plates. Then as I’m driving, more go out.
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Friday, December 1st, 2023 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

Which metal plates was the oil leaking from? If it is the front of the engine, it could be the front crankshaft seal or the oil pan gasket.

Looking at the pic you attached, I'm not sure where you are seeing a fresh leak.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, December 1st, 2023 AT 9:44 PM

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