There is an oil galley going through all the lower exhaust manifold studs. You need to remove the studs and put a drop of RTV to seal them. There are three seals on the front oil pump case where its most likely leaking oil. These are the balance shaft seal, crankshaft seal, and oil pump seal. You need to remove the lower timing cover to see them.

 

Maybe I will get the oil pan gasket out of the way then. How do you get the bolts out closest to the trans? Do I need to pull out the bell housing a bit?



Maybe you just need to remove that cover that is mounted to the bell housing.

 

Yea, you just pull that lower cover and you can get to the bolts for the pan.

 

resist the temptation to buy designer oil pan bolts. dont be like me lol. you may want to have atleast 2 m6 studs and nuts to help you install the pan back. what are you planning for replacement gasket? I've been using The Right Stuff. I'm not sure if thats still the way to go

 

Haha yeah I am keeping my bolts. Is it that hard to align where you need studs?

After much debate I will be going with Hondabond HT. I did not want to spend $90 on the mitsubishi stuff. This is very similar. I heard bad things about Permatex ultra grey. Right Stuff seems decent too.

 

yes since the rtv is tacky. you dont want to smudge that everywhere especially into the holes

 

Toyota Seal Packing is just as good as Hondabond if Toyota is easier to get than Honda.

 

Mechanics swear by The Right Stuff over dealer priced and packaged equivalent. The two oil pan bolts on the timing side are 2mm shorter in length. OE flanged bolts ftw. I'm not sure but I think the starter being removed to get the pan out or may make it easier. Factory installed oil pans are like suction cupped on the silicone is so strongly bonded. 4G64 gasket with some silicone on the sides worked well for me. F that goop!