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I have a 97 Honda Accord LX (4cylinder). I recently replaced the radiator, distributor cap, valve cover gasket, and got a tune up. I went to get my oil changed yesterday and was informed that I have a major oil leak. It's leaking under the bottom and I was a quart low on oil. At the time my work was done on the car, the guy noticed oil around my spark plugs. This is why he changed my valve cover gasket. My car has 180,000 miles. Please offer you expert advice on what I can ask the mechanic to look for. I also want to avoid being taken in because I'm a woman.
Answer -
Unfortunately, there is no normal oil leaks on these engines. With the mileage you have, it could be almost anything. A large oil leak could probably rear main seal. It could also be the oil pressure switch leaking onto the exhaust pipe. Without being able to look at it, I can't really be much help. I will gladly tell you if an estimate it way out of line though.
Follow-up question
Yesterday during lunch I took my car to a Honda technician. He told me that the leak was coming from the rear main seal. He suggested that I replace that seal and the oil pan gasket. He quoted me a price of approx. $350 for parts and labor. He also said that my car was idled low. He told me what needed to be replaced but being a woman I forgot. Can you tell me if I'm looking at having to rebuild my engine soon? Thanks for you expert advice.
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He must be giving you a price if he did it at home. No way that price is done at a dealership. I would charge more than that to do it in my home garage. You have to remove the transmission to replace that rear main seal. If he will do it for that, do it before he changes his mind. The low idle is probably idle air control valve. I would have him remove the valve and make sure that the screen in it isn't clogged.
Question:
Yes, he told me that he would have to remove the transmission. He said it will take all day to do the job. You are correct about the air control valve. That's what he told me. I want to know if I'm looking at having to rebuild my engine soon? I also noticed a fuel smell this morning as I was letting my car warm up under my carport. What could that be? Again, thanks for your expert advice. It's nice to know that the guy I'm going to let do my work is being nice to me.
AnswerI doubt you will have to rebuilt the engine. I have a 93 Accord with 240k and no problems. Keep that oil changed every 3k and don't run it low. I wouldn't rebuild one of those engines anyway. They are very strong and if you were to ever have trouble with the engine, I would just replace it with a used engine. Not sure about the gas smell. May be running a little rich when cold and that is what you are smelling. May also have a leak but you should smell that more than just cold starts.
