Tracing source of oil leak?

[California98Civic]

I appear to have a slow oil leak. I suspect the oil pan gasket, but I want to do this methodically. Oil and road gunk gathers gradually on the OEM undertray bit just ahead of the oil pan and the crank pulleys on the driver side of the block. Small amounts of oil drip from under oil pan. But in more than 3000 miles on this oil change, there is no perceptible change in oil level, judging by the dip stick.

I located this video (kinda humorous) but my QUESTION is whether there another way to methodically trace the source that does not involve buying yellow specs, a special flashlight, and an engine oil additive?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYzTyTlnsr8

Thanks!

[Fat Charlie]

Other than dye, you can pressure wash the bottom and inspect it every day. With those two options I'd say if after 3000 miles with no perceptible change, then no problem found.

[ksa8907]

Is there an oil cooler, usually those crimps in the line will leak. Its curious that you see oil in front of the oil pan, like its under pressure and being sprayed?

[cbaber]

Civics like to leak from the oil pan, valve cover, and cam seal. You can see oil leaks from the valve cover and cam seal from the top of the motor. If you've got grime build up on the bottom of the oil pan, with drips, that is a sign of an oil pan leak. To be sure I would go with Fat Charlie's idea and clean the engine bay very well so that you can see where oil starts to leak from.

Does your oil stay pretty clean after 3000 miles? If you can't see a leak on the dipstick after 3000 miles, it's not much to worry about. I've got a small leak somewhere, probably the oil pan. I don't get oil in the driveway, but when I change the oil I notice grime build up on the oil pan, and a small drip of oil that has found its way to the lowest point of the oil pan. It could also simply be the drain plug washer, as I have never replaced it.

[dlb]

with any tough to trace oil leaks, i spray heavy duty cleaner on the engine, let it sit for a few minutes, and then spray it off with a garden hose. i unplug the spark plug wires from the dizzy and tightly wrap it in a plastic bag, just to keep most of the moisture out of there, and i avoid spraying it directly. not a big deal if some moisture gets in because it will dry out but i like to avoid it in the first place. after the engine is good and clean, i can go for a drive or two and then clearly see where the leak is originating from.

[California98Civic]

Thanks guys. I'll clean and then search on a weekend soon. Will report back.

[darcane]

I was seeing signs of leaking on my Civic much the same as what you are describing. While changing my timing belt, it became obvious it was coming from the crank seal, so I changed it out.

The lower timing belt cover has a weep hole at the very bottom, so any oil drips would land right on.... the oil pan/gasket. Could be what you are seeing as well.

Mine's an '01, but your D16 is still fairly similar to my D17.

[some_other_dave]

Gravity will pull the oil downward. Air will push the oil back. So leaks will typically be at or near the highest and furthest-forward place that you find oil on the outside of the engine.

Clean it up, run the engine a bit, and look for fresh oil.

-soD