Sunny day here in Michigan-decided to check the oil and noticed a very small amount of oil on the outer edge of the head gasket at the front of the block close to the allen bolt toward the passenger side. Has anybody else experienced this? Just enough oil to barely wet the tip of my finger-but noticeable enough to see it in the sun. Perhaps as the engine breaks in it will seal? I noticed that there is also some type of gray sealer where the head meets the block on the sides but none at the front of the head. I currently have about 450 miles on the car and it runs fine. The oil is not coming from head casting itself but appears to exactly where the head and block meet. Thanks in advance.

 

John,

I've noticed the same thing on my car (now at 11,700 miles). Didn't notice it till a couple thousand miles ago. Wiped some of the residue off and haven't seen it return. The leak appears to be from the cam chain galley, which is lubricated with engine oil.

I'm going to keep an eye on it, but I'm not too worried.

UL

 

At least one porous head casting on a

 

I would wipe it off and make a note of the mileage for reference. Keep an eye on it and see what happens. If it happens again, take it to the dealer and let them know when you first noticed it. I would also have them make an entry in their computer system noting your problem. That might make it may be easier to obtain service if it becomes more of a problem.

 

I have the same problem, I've just left it alone. It seems to be getting worse, but only slightly. I'll have someone look at it later.

 

Thanks for the information/suggestions. I will keep a close eye on the situation. I will wait until the car is completely broken in to see if it improves or worsens. I'm reluctant to have Honda service pull the head and replace a head gasket if it's not needed.

 

I've noticed the same oil leak, front of block just under the junction of the head and block. Road dust is collecting there on a 25 cm2 patch. MY2000 with about 2900 miles. Seems most consistent with a head gasket leak reminiscent of the old single overhead can Honda motorcycles of the 70's. How would one distinguish porous block casting from gasket leak?

 

Its hereditary in all S2000's. Whipe it off and it will most likely never appear again.