On 10/29/07 11:20 PM, in article
DiyVi.299115$ax1.154449@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net, "StephenW"
<Flatheadsteve@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> "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.

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.