Oil Leak

2576 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by cmt4, Nov 5, 2001

JCE

Discussion Starter · Oct 29, 2001

I have a 2001-LX with 8000 miles one it. About 3 weeks ago I noticed a small oil leak. The first time I took it in they replaced the oil plan plug gasket. The second time they replace the seals on the oil pump. The third time they replaced the oil pump and pressure checked with system (checking the head gasket). It's going back in this week as the problem is still there. Each time they claim to be in touch with the Honda Technical Service people.

As a past Honda owner, I'm very disappointed as my last Honda went 200,000 with absolutely no problems and was still going strong when I sold it.

Any thoughts on what the problem might be and/or the best way to work with my dealer to get this fixed?

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cmt4

· #2 · Oct 29, 2001

Oil pump seals... replacing oil pumps?? For an oil leak? Sounds like you need a new dealership! Oil pumps do not cause oil leaks and dealerships should not work on them... they are returned, whole, for a complete replacement or rebuild. Did they find something in the diagnostics to tell them that oil pressure was a problem?

Where is the oil coming from? That is the key to finding the solution. I had a vehicle leak a very slight bit of oil for awhile. After alot of aggravating searching, I found that the rear main bearing seal was leaking. On a 2001 with that "few" miles on it, they should be able to find the leak pretty easily. Usually, the oil pan gasket is to blame.

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JCE

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 31, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by cmt4:
Oil pump seals... replacing oil pumps?? For an oil leak? Sounds like you need a new dealership! Oil pumps do not cause oil leaks and dealerships should not work on them... they are returned, whole, for a complete replacement or rebuild. Did they find something in the diagnostics to tell them that oil pressure was a problem?

Where is the oil coming from? That is the key to finding the solution. I had a vehicle leak a very slight bit of oil for awhile. After alot of aggravating searching, I found that the rear main bearing seal was leaking. On a 2001 with that "few" miles on it, they should be able to find the leak pretty easily. Usually, the oil pan gasket is to blame.</font>

Two things the dealer has done. One is that they put a dye in the oil (I've had this done years ago to find a leak on another vehicle and it worked) and then use a "black light" to try to locate where the oil is coming from. The other thing they've done is to contact (numerous times) the Honda Tech line for help. They've said there is a possibility it's the rear main seal, but that's about it. Obviously I'm very disappointed about changing a rear main on a new vehicle.

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lamr846

· #4 · Oct 31, 2001

Every time you or the Honda dealer changes the oil from now on check the amount via the oil stick, make sure it is not over the upper mark. Think if Honda changes your oil in 15 minutes they did not let it drip for enough time and then they put 4.6 to 5 QT's in it and this spells / spills trouble.

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JCE

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 1, 2001

That's a good thought and something I hadn't considered. Unfortunately, the oil leak started before the first oil change. I'm going to watch the level, but I don't think that's the problem. Any other thoughts? I'm looking for any possible ideas and/or suggestions as the dealer seems to be out of ideas.

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cmt4

· #6 · Nov 1, 2001

You say that they've used a dye and a black light... right? So, where is the oil coming from? Or at least, where does it appear to be coming from?

There's not too many places it could be coming from unless you had engine performance problems. Oil leak considered, does the engine perform well?

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JCE

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 3, 2001

Correct on the dye and black light. They thought they knew where the oil was coming from (the oil pump) and I was told that they contacted Honda Tech Service to verify that it could be the problem. The first time, they said that they used a kit to replace the seals on the oil pump. The second time, they again contacted Honda and this time they replaced the oil pump entirely. They also kept it one extra day to pressure check the engine in case it was the head / head gasket (they didn't have the pump they needed and no one in the Twin Cities area had it either). No problem found with the pressure check. The last time I picked it up, I could tell that they thought for sure they had it fixed. Believe me, they don't like to see me coming. But, they've been very accommodating. Ride to/from work the first time. Free loaner car each time after that. Free oil / filter change card for the inconvenience. I honestly think they're trying to get this fixed.

The engine performance is fine. No issues starting or when it's running. Actually, no other problems at all other than the oil leak.

It goes back in Monday. Clearly they're guessing now, as I don't think they know what to do next. Obviously I'm not too excited about them taking parts off and on numerous times trying to find the problem. My fear is that they're going to replace the rear main which is major surgery.

OK, sorry for the long message, but what would you do next?

Last question - I did not purchase any extended warranty. But, given the above, should I now?

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Mel

· #8 · Nov 3, 2001

Just curious, which Twin Cities dealer?

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JCE

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 4, 2001

Buerkle on Hwy 61.

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jvennitti

· #10 · Nov 5, 2001

JCE,

Purchasing the extended warranty is, IMHO, like other insurances--you pay money in case something happens. You may not have another problem for the entire time you own the van. Or you might have a major problem occur 100 miles out of warranty. I purchased the 7/100,000/0 because I believe that I will have the car that long and it provides me with peace of mind for major, and likely, costly repairs. For me, the $900 or so was worth the extra years of coverage. If you haven't already checked the warranty area, there are likely other opinions about whether the extended warranty is worth it or not.

Good luck in your decision,

Jeff

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Jeff

'01 SS EX
Cassette, Rosen Video System, Fog Lights, Splash Guards
Full Nose Mask

See photos at:
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cmt4

· #11 · Nov 5, 2001

That has to be frustrating, but I guess you have to let them try to fix it. Sounds like your dealer is OK after all.

However, I am still confused about the oil pump thing. The oil pump is an internal item and even if it was leaking, it would just "leak" back into the engine. So, I'm not sure why they started messing with the pump. I'm glad they ended up replacing it though after working on it... dealers should not work on oil pumps. It still amazes me that they can not find the source... it really shouldn't be THAT hard to find.

About the warranty... Buy that flood insurance after the flood! Just kidding! Even the car "experts" are pushing warranties these days. Vehicles are complicated, with alot of features and alot of things that can go wrong. Buy the warranty... it's cheap insurance.

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