If oil is leaking out the front end of the oil pan on my 2000 acura integra is it the gasket or a seal?

Answer 1

You'll need to clean all oil from the engine in the area of the leak using engine cleaner and pressurized water. Let it dry then start the engine and watch to see where the leak is originating. If it's leaking around the crankshaft, you have a leaking seal. If that's the case, check the engine for "blowby". Blowby will force oil past a crankshaft seal and potentially damage the seal. Pull the oil fill cap while the engine is idling. Hold a piece of paper over the hole and if you have blow-by, the paper will be blown away from the hole. Pulsing is normal, that's where the air goes in and out rapidly, but if you just get air blowing OUT of the oil fill hole, you have pressure building up inside the crankcase which is cause exhaust gas blowing past the pistons. It's an indication of either excessive piston and ring wear or sludge buildup which has captured the rings so that they cannot provide an adequate seal in the cylinder. Oil leaks can be caused by different problems and you need to understand the nature of the leak and the ultimate cause.