1991 Accord - Oil Leak

I have a 91 Accord with 150k and have noticed an oil leak coming from below
the distributor. Will replacing the o-ring for the distributor solve the
problem or is there another gasket that may need to be replaced? I believe
that the end of the camshaft is near that location. Is there a gasket or
seal for the camshaft that may need to be replaced as well? Any help is
appreciated. Thank you, Joe

 

Have the valve cover gaskets ever been replaced? That's typically a common
source of leaks on this version of Accord.

 

Yes....I just replaced the gasket with Fel-Pro gasket set. I planned to
take the distributor out to see if the o-ring is the cause of the
leak....just thought I would ask before starting the job to see if anyone
else experienced the problem and how they were able to resolve it. Joe

 

I agree with Misfit, the valve cover gasket is the most likely culprit.
When you replaced yours, did you put any ultra gray sealant at the corners
of the gasket where the gasket makes a near right angle turn to go up over
the cam bearing tower? Anyways, the distributor o-ring is easy enough to
replace. Though keep in mind that sometimes the distributor itself is
leaking. There's a seal inside for the distributor shaft. Pull of the cap
and make sure that there's no oil inside the cap or distributor. If there's
oil, you'll need to get a new (or good used) distributor body. The last
time I checked, Honda did not sell these seals separately. You'll also want
to check for the presence of red dust inside the cap. This is usually a
sign of a failing distributor bearing. Again, if you find this, you'll need
a new distributor body as there are no replacements from Honda available.

Eric

 

I recall seeing some red dust when I replaced the high voltage coil, but no
oil under the cap/rotor. I still think that the o-ring is bad. I followed
Fel-Pro's instructions when I replaced the valve cover gasket....I recall
specifically that no sealant was to be used with the gasket. The gasket
looks fine....when I put my hand under the distributor, my fingers get
covered with oil. Thanks for the reply. Joe

 

Red dust means that your distributor bearing is defective, and requires
parts of all of the distributor to be replaced. In the case of my '93
Accord, the housing, cap and rotor were replaced.

 

three potential causes of the leak. in no particular order:

rocker cover gasket.
distributor o-ring.
distributor internal oil seal.

if the latter, replacement is the only practicable cure.

 

of the whole distributor

 

| Any help is appreciated.
www.autozone.com/N,311791/initialAction,repairGuide/shopping/vehicleSelect4.htm

 

Thanks for the help. It was the o-ring....it was dry and came off in
pieces. Easy to change...just mark distributor in relation to attachment
points, so as to maintain proper timing. Thanks again, Joe

 

| It was the o-ring
My F20A 's distributor* too leaked oil in '06 til a recon *
replaced it ; coil's insulation lacquer cracked, no output.