'96 Odyssey - Massive oil leak

A neighbor and good friend has a massive engine oil leak on a ’96 Honda
Odyssey.
I was thinking of volunteering to help him fix it so any advice will be
appreciated.

The problem is a massive engine oil leak that seems to be coming from
behind the timing belt cover. It only leaks when the engine is running.
However when the engine is running it leaks a quart of oil every 2
minutes! So driving the car just a few miles would leave the engine
without oil.

Any ideas or known common problems with these models that would help us
narrow down the problem before we start taking off covers?

 

are they sure it's not just a fault with the oil filter seal and run-off
appearing to come from the timing housing? common enough if
after-market filters are used [fram] and the rubber gasket sticks to the
block before a new filter and gasket are installed on top of it. look
for the simple stuff first.

 

Sounds like the balance shaft seal behind the timing belt I remember doing a
couple, somewhat common on some hondas. There is a modified part to assist
in holding the new seal in. The secondary cause is overpresserazition of the
crank case, so be sure to replace the PVC valve and check that system out.

--
Steve
ASE Master Tech
L1 Diag
Currently residing at a Subaru Shop
4.5 years doing tires and alighnments

 

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Take a look at the TSB's here:

http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/odyssey/index.html

'Curly'

 

There was a recall on the '96 Odysseys for this (balance shaft seals). Tell
your neighbor to check with a dealer, the fix might still be free.

 

Thanks for the hints.
I will call the dealer to see if there are any related recalls.
Otherwise seems like we would have to, at least, take the timing belt
cover off. Then if the balance shaft oil seal has popped out it would be
obvious. Wouldn’t it?

I would like to add that no work had been done on the vehicle recently and
the car had been running fine until this leak appeared. Months ago I had
noticed that there was a small crack on the exhaust manifold. The crack is
a little bigger now but I imagine this is unrelated to the oil leak.

An additional complication is that my neighbor does not have the Honda
shop manual for his car.

 

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The Chilton's manual with the Gen 1 red CR-V on the cover is great for
what your friend wants to do. It's readily available at some Honda
dealers or WalMart / Canadian Tire. HELMS is harder to find if you're in
a hurry. The pulley tool (You HAVE to use one) can be whipped up for
yourself: http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/cranktool/index.html
The TSB that I pointed you to explains everything short of holding your
hand.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/odyssey/x00-073e.pdf

www.Odyclub.com has similar resources.

'Curly'

 

Thank you all for the very helpful information.
From the descriprions seems like the balance shaft oil seal popping out is
the most likely cause.

Apparently there was a Honda recall for balance axle seal retainer but it
ended in 2003. We will contact the dealer and see if perhaps there can be
a discount on the repair. Otherwise we will attempt it ourselves,
apparently Honda has a repair kit that they sell for that purpose.