Finding/curing oil leak on Honda engine

[scbk]

Hi folks, got a Honda GX340 which has developed a small oil leak.

Just the odd drip I think but the machine can be in use for a few hours at a time on the same spot so it can leave a mark

 

 

Even after cleaning and running it again it's hard to see where it's coming from as it's well splattered over the engine.

 

 

Has anyone got any tips or suggestions of what it could be or where best to start?

 

Thanks

[Richard 1234]

It's not something silly like leaking from either the dipstick or oil drain is it?

[wisecobandit]

Could also be worth a look around the rocker cover to as they use a rubber gasket which can deteriorate.

Its a bit hard to advise a start point without a few more clues tho as generally Hondas tend to be pretty good. Any particular side/area its concentrated in?

 

If its splattered is it around the exhaust area? When the rings go they can throw some out the exhaust.

Edited March 16, 2015 by wisecobandit

[ukminch]

Rocker cover gasket or where bolt that secures it would be my guess

[Breezeblock]

I've had a few on chinese generators that leak round about the crank cover check that the bolts are tight

[GardenKit]

If the oil is splattered it would indicate that it is being thrown, so I would guess the crank seal, then being thrown by the pulley or flywheel.

 

Other leaks should just run down from their origin, just spreading along horizontal lips etc.

 

Get the motor clean and degreased with some Jizer, then run it and watch.

[scbk]

Thanks

 

 

I did change the rocker cover gasket a couple months ago as it seemed like an easy place to start! - the old gasket had a small nick in it but it obviously wasn't that.

 

It looks like it could be somewhere in behind the exhaust or fuel tank as that looks like the highest point that is damp.

 

I will see if I can investigate further later on in the week.

It's sods law that if I take it apart I will need it the next day!

[BILLSMOWERS]

I USE A UV DYE YOU CAN BUY ON EBAY JUST ADD TO THE OIL NEXT TIME YOU CLEAN DOWN THE ENGINE LOOK WITH A UV LIGHT AND YOU WILL SEE THE TRACK OF THE LEAK IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO FIND THE LEAK IF IT'S ONLY SLIGHT

 

THIS IS THE KIT

UV Dye & UV Torch Kit Leak Detection Dye For Oil & Fuel Leaks RLD4 Ring | eBay

[scbk]

UV dye, that sounds very csi!!

 

 

Finally had the chance to start taking it apart, nice coating of oil and muck

[scbk]

Got the flywheel off with a homemade puller (bit of steel)

 

I assume it's the crankshaft seal, plenty of muck splattered round behind the flywheel?

 

How do you change the crank seal, is it possible to do it without splitting the engine open?