"jim beam" <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in message
news:4rydnX5s7c5tObvanZ2dnUVZ_qiinZ2d@speakeasy.ne t...
> ThomasE wrote:
>> 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