Sump very slightly damp

[jaffaz32]

I have a very slight leak.

The bottom of the sump is damp, and it's definitely oil

I check my oil every time before driving and don't need to top up.

For the bottom surface of the sump to be damp where are the areas to check?

I don't think it's leaking from the plug.

Is there a trick to finding the source of the leak?

Once found, is it a case of replacing the gasket? or is there something else you can do? The pan gasket was dropped about a year ago and gasket was replaced then. I think it's a newish leak.

As mentioned it's very slight, if it was my daily car i would live with it. Things like on the Nsx i keep on top of.

 

[jaffaz32]

Is it possible it's running down from the front cam cover? I noticed the cam cover area is very slightly damp around the seal.

I think I have a set of gaskets, is this something I can do from home?

I think you need to replace the 2 cam cover gaskets and the 3 spark plug gaskets each side.

Is there anything else worth replacing while in there?

I'm sure i'm more than capable of removing that cover, but anything more sophisticated i may be out my depth, i have a set of LMA's how easy are they to replace once in there? Although it's only the front head the cam cover gasket needs replacing.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Valve Cover Gasket Set - 12030-PR7-010

This kit includes the following 3 items:
3 12343-PR7-A00
1 12341-PR7-A01
6 90442-PR7-A00

You will need one per valve cover.

LMA's will require you to remove timing belt,cams, rocker arms. WAY bigger job.

BTW, I typically see this, and it is easy to be fooled that it is the oil pan gasket, when it is the VC gaskets. For any oil leak the rule is "look up". The highest wet spot is typically the issue.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[jaffaz32]

Valve Cover Gasket Set - 12030-PR7-010

This kit includes the following 3 items:
3 12343-PR7-A00
1 12341-PR7-A01
6 90442-PR7-A00

You will need one per valve cover.

LMA's will require you to remove timing belt,cams, rocker arms. WAY bigger job.

BTW, I typically see this, and it is easy to be fooled that it is the oil pan gasket, when it is the VC gaskets. For any oil leak the rule is "look up". The highest wet spot is typically the issue.

HTH,
LarryB

Thanks Larry,

Looked up those part numbers, so you don't need to replace the end gaskets which the big one (12341-PR7-A01) over laps? (front head 12351-PR7-A00 & rear head 12352-PR7-A00)

I'm going through my parts, i have 3x 12343-PR7-A00 & 1x 12341-PR7-A01 but not any 90442-PR7-A00 Is it essential to also replace these? Just the difference of attempting the fix the leak now or waiting until i've ordered a full set including the 9 of those other gaskets.

Thanks,

Chris.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I rarely have to change those gaskets. But you will not know until you remove the VC's.

I ALWAYS use the 6 washers. It insures the cover is properly pressed against the head.

HTH,
LarryB