[melton46]

I have a '05 ex-l, with 145,000 miles on it with no prior issues,that out of the blue started leaking engine oil from what looks to be the engine rear main seal. I removed the inspection cover and cleaned the area in question. But it looks as if the oil is coming from higher up. I'm trying to find a site that would show the break down of the rear of the engine. I would like to make sure before i start pulling the tranny out. It looks pretty tough. Thanks for any help or insight into this dilema.

 

[New Dad New Van]

Here is a diagram of the engine block. Part #23 is the rear main seal.

Honda Automotive Parts

I don't have access to the 2005 Service Manual but that would sure help you.

 

[New Dad New Van]

Have you recently switched engine oils (i.e. to synthetic)?

Wipe the oil off and monitor to see if comes back. Some possibilities other than a leaking rear main seal are a leak from higher above dribbling down to where you now see it and one member has mentioned that residual oil from an oil change can splash on a cross member and again dribble to where it is now.

Is it possible too that the oil is ATF that is dirty and looks like engine oil?

 

[cnn]

In most cars/vans, the RMS starts leaking anywhere between 90-150K or so.

You are doing the right thing: clean the area and monitor it.
Unfortunately, replacing the RMS in any vehicles is always a PITA b/c the transmission has to be removed to replace the RMS.

 

[txn]

Is the oil loss noticeable ? A few oil drops a day or much worse ?
If it's just seeping a little (versus leaking), maybe you can just live with a it.

 

[melton46]

Thanks guys for all the info. The leak is definitly coming from the back of the block. And it is not trans fluid. Found tsb 141551 & 141508 that mentions something about oil leaking from rear plugs in the block, but i am not able to veiw the whole bulletins. Found these on a web site called AutoMD. I would still like to gather some more info before i pull the tranny out that way i know what i'm dealing with. Gotta do this over the weekend. Once again thanks everyone for the insights.

 

[payor_co]

Did you check the PCV valve to make sure is not clogged or not working properly. I've heard that if it gets clogged, pressure forces the oil out the path of least resistance and out the rear main.

Just my .02

Pat

 

[melton46]

yea i checked that 1st. Did get some info from the local honda dealer. There is an o'ring on the rear head that can cause the same type of leak, fixing to put the oil dye to it and chaeck and see. Thanks for the input.

 

[payor_co]

Keep us posted!!

 

[melton46]

Finally got everything back together 10 hours later! Replaced rear main seal, also found that there is an o'ring behind the rms housing that also needs to be replaced when changing the seal. I believe that is what was leaking originally. Took pics of everything will post when i get a chance.

 

[richlishtrey]

Finally got everything back together 10 hours later! Replaced rear main seal, also found that there is an o'ring behind the rms housing that also needs to be replaced when changing the seal. I believe that is what was leaking originally. Took pics of everything will post when i get a chance.

Wow! That's a big project. I'd like to hear more about it.


Rich

 

[stevescivic]

yes please do tell as I just had our 06' Odyssey rear main seal done at the dealership. Tempted to know what steps are involved in removing the tranny to get at the seal.

 

[payor_co]

yes please do tell as I just had our 06' Odyssey rear main seal done at the dealership. Tempted to know what steps are involved in removing the tranny to get at the seal.

How much did they charge, if you dont mind. I just had my rear replaced on my 03 Acura TL at dealer for $400. Although I have spent a bit of money by servicing it there.

 

[melton46]

How much did they charge, if you dont mind. I just had my rear replaced on my 03 Acura TL at dealer for $400. Although I have spent a bit of money by servicing it there.

i had an independant shop quote me 500.00 for the labor. I actually did the whole job myself.

 

[melton46]

yes please do tell as I just had our 06' Odyssey rear main seal done at the dealership. Tempted to know what steps are involved in removing the tranny to get at the seal.

It is quite and undertaking, the whole engine cradle has to be removed in order to lower the trans. out and then remove the flywheel and the rear main seal housing.

 

[stevescivic]

$1500 here in Canada. Honda Canada goodwill warranty took off 4 hours of labour bring cost down to $1100.

Expensive to get dealer to do the work.

 

[melton46]

Here are some of the pics from my rear main seal replacement.

 

[cjburt]

Hello I also have an '05 Odyssey and just started leaking oil near the rms at 99,000. Someone asked earlier if you just swapped to synthetic oil. I actually just did that last oil change and started leaking shortly after. I was just wandering how that could have anything to do with it? Also how hard was removing transmission? I'm not a mechanic but am very handy and have pulled my own motors in the past.

 

[Dirkdaddy]

I realize this is an old thread, but to keep things organized makes sense to post here.

I have 06 EXL and all of a sudden, my rear main has apparently started leaking quite a bit. It drips on the undercarriage and gets on the hot exhaust and smokes. I have gotten under it and am sort of semi-pro mechanic so yes I know what I am looking for and engine was clean prior.

Looking for info, did this seal replacement solve issue? One would assume it would have, but I read on the technical forum (non gen specific) of guys having to have dealer replace this more than once for this problem, which would seem to point to something else. I am also going to test the PCV valve to make sure it works properly.

FYI - I purchased van with 55k and swapped in Mobil 1 5-20w and have used that. Van started leaking about 97k. I have purchased other used vehicles and swapped to Mobil 1 and never had a oil leak problem.

Melton46 - Looks like you do great work and have the equipment. Looks like you have to use an engine hoist to support the engine when you remove the cradle and tranny?

 

[deepdezal]

My car had the same oil leak that you have mentioned and yes it was the rear main seal leak. My car developed this leak at 125K miles on it.

IMO it wasn't you switching over to a synthetic engine oil that caused this leak.. we just got an engine that had an inferior rear main seal/O-ring. Actually from what I understand it is an O-ring that is leaking oil.

I had a shop perform the work and I provided the parts.


Any way here is a list what I replaced since the tranny was also out...

-Rear main seal and O-Ring.
-Axel seals left and right side.
-Left and right side sway bar links, since they broke during removal.
-replace the built in transmission filter
-Case of DW-1 ATF
-Tourqe converter seal
-replace the front sway-bar mount


Good Luck!