1998 Honda Accord Oil Pressure and Knocking/unknown fluid l

1998 HONDA ACCORD
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ANYALYSSA
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Engine Performance problem
1998 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

My oil level is not low, but my engine has that fatal knocking sound, and at times when I rev the engine, the oil light will flash until I let her idle for a few moments.

Also, we bought the car as is from a private seller. There is a steady leak of an unknown fluid and unknown source in the driver side floor board. It is obvious that there has been constant seepage since before we bought the car, b/c of the dry rot through the carpet down to the bare floor board. It appears that the leak runs from up under the driver side dash, and soaks down under the seat and into the rear floorboards, but it could be a bad seal in or near the door or windshield.
Feb 22, 2010 at 4:16 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there, if this knock has been present for even a short time, there will be bearing damage, the engine will have to be stripped and check out, as for the leak, either a blocked A/C drain, blocked vent chamber drains or a faulty wind screen seal, check these out first.

mark (mhpautos)
Feb 22, 2010 at 6:25 PM
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ANYALYSSA
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Thank you Mark. Can you tell me how serious this issue is? The car really has been more trouble than it's worth and I will be getting anew one soon enough but first I need to get to Pennsylvania from Georgia. Do you think the car can make the trip in its current state, or do I NEED those repairs before the trip? Unemployed and moving for better opportunities.
Feb 22, 2010 at 6:34 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

The leak i am not that worried about as long as it is not a coolant leak from the heater, but if the coolant level has been ok, i doubt that this is it... As for the engine problem, (not sure how far your trip is as i live in Australia) this is a bit of a worry, if the knock continues you will destroy the engine, no question about that.... so what i would try first is get the engine oil changed and the filter and use a good quality engine oil flush, then re fill with a heavy 20W-50 oil or heavier if you can use a mineral based oil.... also get the engine oil pressure check and either let me know the results or contact a mechanic to ask his opinion, but if the knock continues you will destroy this engine.

mark (mhpautos)
Feb 22, 2010 at 7:06 PM
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