Leaky oil pan gasket question

[98civex]

So I noticed oil collected on my oil pan and seems to be coming from the gasket. I did not find any oil that might be coming from distributor o-ring, vtec solenoid or valve cover.

The leak builds up to a drip or two on the pan in three days (if I wipe it off and check daily that's what I've noticed)

My question, until I have the time to replace the gasket could I for now loosen the pan bolts and torque to specs to maybe slow it down further? Or would this make things worse?

 

[motakitty]

I would say that it's slow enough of a leak that i would just monitor the oil level and replace the gasket when you have time

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[98civex]

Would snugging up the bolts make it worse?

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

Wouldn't hurt to check to see if they came loose, but if the gasket is damaged adding torque to them may make it worse.

 

[RonJ]

What Civic trim?

 

[98civex]

What Civic trim?

98 ex

 

[RonJ]

The EX oil pan gasket is the easiest to replace, so you got lucky. Given that the leak is minimal, just wait for the next scheduled oil change to replace the gasket. And I wouldn't try re-torquing the nuts and bolts due to the risk of worsening the leak.

Download the service manual to learn the proper procedure.

 

[98civex]

The EX oil pan gasket is the easiest to replace, so you got lucky. Given that the leak is minimal, just wait for the next scheduled oil change to replace the gasket. And I wouldn't try re-torquing the nuts and bolts due to the risk of worsening the leak.

Download the service manual to learn the proper procedure.

Cool. I just checked the manual but the instructions for the d16y8 engine seem super brief, I don't need to remove part of the exhaust? Also it says to tighten bolts clockwise, I was under impression to use a diagonal pattern? Read that in couple older threads

 

[RonJ]

I don't need to remove part of the exhaust?

As I remember, you need to remove exhaust pipe A, the engine stiffener, and the clutch cover.

Also it says to tighten bolts clockwise, I was under impression to use a diagonal pattern? Read that in couple older threads

Follow the service manual instructions on torquing the nuts and bolts.

 

[Osiris19]

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3

 

[98civex]

.

 

[98civex]

What do they mean "clockwise in three steps" to make three passes?

 

[RonJ]

1) Look at diagram and locate nut #1.

2) Starting at #1 and using a torque wrench, partially tighten each nut/bolt moving in a clockwise direction in the diagram.

3) Repeat step 2.

4) Tighten each nut/bolt to spec on the third round.

 

[98civex]

1) Look at diagram and locate nut #1.

2) Starting at #1 and using a torque wrench, partially tighten each nut/bolt moving in a clockwise direction in the diagram.

3) Repeat step 2.

4) Tighten each nut/bolt to spec on the third round.

Thanks Ron! If I don't use a torque wrench, do I just snug up the bolts/nuts? A little past finger tight?

 

[RonJ]

Do it right and use a torque wrench! Otherwise, there's a high risk of oil leaks.

Carefully read the diagrams I posted and follow the instructions precisely as written. Buy some HondaBond from your local Honda dealer or on line.