My husband and I are looking to buy a 1994 honda accord from a friend. She says that there is an oil leak from the rear main seal. How serious is this? Does it need to be fixed right away or can we get the car and wait until the end of January to fix it, and just watch the oil level in the meantime? And about how much does that repair cost? I've heard about 300 dollars because of labor.
2007-12-19 10:15:33 · 3 answers · asked by ? 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The leaky rear main seal is pretty serious. While not very common, the leaking oil can ignite and cause the car to catch fire. Also, you have to assume that the car has been driven with low oil level. This is more likely than not, and causes serious wear to the engine, not only from reduced lubrication, but from the extra heat that is generated. If the rear main seal is leaking, you can bet that there are many more that need replacing, especially if it has been driven with a low oil level. Since the engine or trans will have to be removed, it could make sense to do more to the car and save on the labor. I would look at new timing belt, all new seals and gaskets, water pump and thermostat, tune-up, belts and hoses, and fluid changes. If the car has over 150,000 miles and an automatic trans. and the fluid has never been replaced, I would just drain and fill the trans a few times. I've seen cars have the trans flushed and never work right again. I think though, you will find the cost for the vehicle and the repairs may cost as much as a nice, newer used car.
2007-12-19 10:42:56 · answer #1 · answered by sonnie_b 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Rear Main Seal Leak
2016-09-30 10:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The seal is only $5-10 dollars, the rest is labor to remove transaxle and re-install it. Sometimes what happens is, if the previous owner has been using a cheap grade of oil, an abundance of oil vapors has clogged up your PCV (crankcase ventilation) system. When this happens, the oil pressure may rise enough to try and escape at this seal.. The best thing to do is to shampoo the engine at a do-it-yourself car wash (so you can see leaks clearly) and clean any debris out of the PCV valve and hoses. Make sure the rubber here is supple and doesn't need replacing. Also, an engine de-sludging at this age would be helpful to make sure that the oil pressure relief valve is clean and functioning properly. Try changing the oil to synthetic, but use some kind of engine oil cleaning treatment first. If things are sirty and mucked up, a new seal will leak as well. Good Luck!!!!
2007-12-19 11:44:03 · answer #3 · answered by Robert M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "Rear Main Seal" Seal and Helps Maintain Oil Pressure at the Crank Shaft. When That Seal Starts Leaking it's leaking "Under Pressure!" Find out how long it's been leaking?
Needs to be Replaced ASAP! $200 to $500 Depending on where you go and how Honest the Mechanic Is.
2007-12-19 10:27:52 · answer #4 · answered by sidecar0 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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It won't cause you any problem except a little oil loss and spots on your garage floor, just keep check of your oil level and you will be fine, you really don't have to fix it unless it gets a lot worse.
2016-03-26 01:38:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
any seal should be replaced asap but you could run on it if you keep up the oil level but if it get's to be loseing more than half a quart a week you should get it fixed right away and 300 sounds about right
2007-12-19 10:20:41 · answer #6 · answered by staples_92 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋