Frank Boettcher <fboettcher@comcast.net> wrote in
news:2kbbs3dfvlfcbhng5akf51qe68ofaub4i2@4ax.com:

> On Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:07:52 +0000 (UTC), Tegger <tegger@tegger.c0m>
> wrote:
>
>>Frank Boettcher <fboettcher@comcast.net> wrote in
>>news:h9m5s31hsgtvbp9ggijeaqtq98o1o6ve5t@4ax.co m:
>>
>>> On Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:17:47 +0000 (UTC), Tegger <tegger@tegger.c0m>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>As regulars here will know, I keep very close tabs on my oil
>>>>consumption, trying to make the observation as close to a science as
>>>>possible.
>>>>
>>>>My latest test period (ended today) reveals consumption of 2,150
>>>>miles per US quart.
>>>>
>>> Curious as to whether it is all burn, no leak.
>>>
>>
>>
>>All burn.
>>
>>The car doesn't leak a single drop.
>
>
> That's pretty good. Seals been replaced? How often?



All the original front seals were replaced at the car's second timing
belt change. We're going back a few years here. One of the cam seals was
weeping a bit, the other two were fine. I learned later that in the early
'90s there was a TSB out on my car having to do with leaky camshaft oil
seals.

The rear main seal was replaced at 255,000 miles when the clutch was
changed. The old seal was not leaking, amazingly enough.

The exhaust cam seal was replaced maybe five-seven years ago. This is
the big plug that is notorious for leaking.

The distributor O-ring is original and is not leaking.



>
> I've got a '90 and at 185K just starting to burn a very little, just
> starting to leak a very little.
>
> Got a 97 pushing 200K, leaks something awful. It is set for
> replacement, gave it to my son 6 years ago, he wants a new Fit for his
> daily commute.
>


I am convinced that very frequent oil changes stave off seal leakage. I
change my oil every two months or 2,500 miles. No matter what.

My mechanic explained to me that modern oil seals generally leak not
because they wear out or harden, but because they develop tiny surface
cracks. Acid etching and poor lubrication from old oil lead to the hairline
tears.

I have another timing belt change coming up this spring. All the seals are
getting replaced again, just in case.

Today's mileage: 299,406! Getting closer!


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/