Huge oil leak

2001 HONDA ACCORD

205,000 MILES • 2.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

BENLEE1199

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76 POSTS
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Hello, I have a very large oil leak, but could use some direction in finding it. There is a significant amount of oil at the bottom of the engine, but also running all along the bottom of the chassis toward the back of the car. It is probably leaking at least 1 or 2 quarts a week. I replaced the VTEC solenoid gasket and valve cover gasket a few months ago because oil was previously leaking from those gaskets, but the amount of oil that is leaking now is much worse than those "minor" leaks.

I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this to find the location of the leak without taking tons of things apart, and there is so much oil under the car that it is hard to see where the source is.

Also, if you could point me to a couple of possible locations that an oil leak of this significance might occur on the car listed above that would be fantastic!

Thank you!

Jan 17, 2022 at 7:26 AM

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SQM

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

You might want to add some oil dye and use a black light to see where the leak is coming from. This can help you determine the location. You can typically get a kit with oil dye and black light.

Have you tried to clean the under carriage and see if that helps detecting the leak?

Larger leaks many times are from blown seals. One of the common leaks is the rear main seal.
This is where the engine and transmission connect.
This, however, will require the removal of the transmission to access.

Here is a helpful guide that covers the basics:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Jan 17, 2022 at 8:11 AM

KASEKENNY

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
18,907 POSTS

There are many ways to narrow this down, but I like to just start fresh and then add dye to the oil and then drive the vehicle short distances if the leak does not come with just idling the engine.

Basically, the way you have it now, you have oil everywhere and it is hard to locate the source.

So, we need to completely clean the engine using engine cleaner to be careful not to spray down the ignition system or electronics.

Basically, just spray the cleaner on the oil-soaked areas and then spray it off with a hose.

Then we need to make sure the oil is at the proper level and add engine oil dye that you can get at any parts store.

Here is a guide that will help with this and other info:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Once the engine is clean and the dye is installed, then just run the engine until you start to see the dye using a specific light that will come with the engine dye kit. Basically, this light just makes the dye glow, so it is easy to see.

Once we see where it is coming from, we will be able to make a repair.

Please let me know what questions you have.

Thanks

Jan 17, 2022 at 8:28 AM

JIS001

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
3,412 POSTS

Hi, I just wanted to jump in. As Sean mentioned earlier, a blown seal will cause a major leak. One thing I have run into is the balance shaft seal popping out. Remove the timing belt cover to inspect. See image below. Even if the seal is not all the way out, check for a leak and check both timing belts for oil saturation. If it has oil replace them also.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Jan 17, 2022 at 9:14 PM