I have a 99 Accord (V6, AT) I purchased used with 118K miles. The car is really clean with all repair documents. It was only driven 2K miles since oct 2006. I drove it about 3 miles, no problem. I took it on the highway (120 miles) and now it leaks oil. The leak is small, the inspection plate to access the torque convert does not show signs of a main seal leak, my mechanic cannot find the leak either, any ideas on where the leak might be? I don't want to remove the transaxle to expore. I saw TSB 01-009, but wouldn't that (porous engine block) have happened years ago?

 

Theoretically, a porous block would have started leaking not too long after being sold. There is a v-tec pressure tool that is used to pressurize the oil system. This will help you locate leaks. Probably have to visit a dealer to take advantage of it, though.

 

not sure where the vtec solenoid is on 6th gen v6s, but if you find it, give straight 12 volts when the engine is on. that will pressurize the oil.

a vtec solenoid will be located close to the camshaft, it only has one wire going to it through a plug. give that wire straight 12 volts when the engine is running. it wont mess up anything, but just dont it for more than a minute or two. but also remember, this will make the oil leak even worst.

 

also if the motor tends to shut down, have some help you. tell them to give it some gas and raise the rpm to around 2000. do this for about 30-40 seconds and shut off the motor then check for fresh oil.
it'll also be helpful if you wash the engine before doing this test.

 

is it possible (anything is) that the main seal retainer is leaking?

 

a vtec solenoid will be located close to the camshaft, it only has one wire going to it through a plug. give that wire straight 12 volts when the engine is running. it wont mess up anything, but just dont it for more than a minute or two. but also remember, this will make the oil leak even worst.[/QUOTE]

Doesn't the VTEC solenoid have 12 volts going to it all the time? The proceedure for checking the solenoid states to "turn on ignition"..., "voltaged should be approximately 12 volts"

 

no. in my car *95 Accord 4 cyl, it turn on at 2200-3200 rpm, depending on how much i'm pushing it.

it was made to give you power when you need it and save you gas at the same time. so when the vtec is not turned on, ur not using a lot gas. very smart technology by honda, even tho 15 years old aready.

i'm not sure when it turns on in other cars.

 

Oh yeah, and make sure that you take out the wire going to the vtec solenoid (do not give 12 volts to that wire, or you could mess up ur ecu).
Give 12 volts to the vtec solenoid when its disconnected.