Acura Repair: Acura 3.2TL - 2003, clue whats, gusses


Question
QUESTION:  I notice an oil leak between the transmission and the engine block where they bolt the transmission to the engine. Its underneat the engine/tranny by that plastic cover there.... Can you help me on that...


ANSWER: Hi Amar

I don't know how I can help you? The Tranny's Acura uses are usually dry case meaning that there is no oil between the transmission and the engine. Is it an automatic? Make sure the leak is not coming from somewhere else and just dripping down at that point.

Thank you,
Daniel

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Daniel,

Appreciate your reply and advise. Heres what I did a few days ago - Cleaned up the underside with a cloth, wiped all the oil allover and then drove it a few miles and parked it overnight. Next day went under the car and observed 2-3 drops of oil right under the plastic cover. So most likely,  the oil is comming from there. Do you think I should open that cover and see furhter. I have no clue whats behind that cover.

Rgds
Amar
ANSWER: Hi Amar, it is very likely that the crank seal/bearing may be leaking into the clutch case so behind that plastic cover is your clutch or torque converter, there is a bearing located in that case, that bearing keeps the oil from the engine from leaking into the case. The seal may be cracked or broken.

Is the oil black or is it pink or some other color?

Thank you,
Daniel

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Daniel, I just ran and checked the oil levels and u may be correct, as the engine oil level is lower than the top mark, especially as i got an engine Oil Change done 3 weeks ago ! I am gonna drive a few more days and keep checking to oil levels to confirm which one it is for sure!

Hey if it is the Crank Seak/Bearing, what kind of expense am i looking at ! any gusses ...plz advise

Rgds
Amar

Answer
Hi Amar,

It really depends on your geographical area also to who you take it to. If you take it to a tranny specialist it may be cheaper as they remove tranny's much faster then a mechanic that does not specialize in that field. But check around get a few quotes, don't settle for what the first mechanic says.

Ask them to make sure that is what it is b4 they pull out the tranny, be careful as some mechanics will say we will have to pull the tranny out to find out. To be 100% sure yes you do have to pull the tranny but you can unscrew the plastic piece from your tranny then use a telescopic mirror or also known as a mechanics mirror to see if the oil is dripping from that area.

If there is any other questions please ask,
Thank you,
Daniel