Jet sitter

When I returned from a drive yesterday, I noticed that I had left drips of oil in the driveway. When I checked under the car I found a 6" puddle under the transmission. Took it to the dealers today and found that I have a bad seal. Anyone else ever had this problem? The mechanic said that I am the first that he has seen. I told him to check out the clutch while he was replacing the seal and I know that there is a Service Bulletin for newer syncros, I believe, that came out in 2003. If anyone has any information on that I like to hear about it. They won't be doing the work until Tuesday, so I have time to become "educated" by the Vintage group before they take the car.

Jet sitter

Just got some feedback from the "other" site. They tell me that it is either the rear main engine seal or the front main tranny seal. The oil pump seal is internal to the transmission, so even if it leaked heavily, I would not see the leak externally. Since the engine oil level is good, I'm going with the front main transmission seal.

Jet sitter

Just received the news on my car, it's the front tranny seal. The clutch will also have to be replaced because it is saturated with oil.

Lainey

Wow! On an '03? You don't have a lot of mileage on the car, do you?

Jet sitter

^I just turned 37K on my return trip from SF. The service manager at Honda said this is probably why I had the problem. Letting the car sit over the winter is not good for seals.

JonasM

OK, now you've got me worried. I just turned over 37K.

Is there any way to check this without opening the transmission?

JonasM

Jet sitter

^There is actually an inspection plate on the side of the transmission. If this seal is bad you will know about it, it leaks like a sieve. On another positive note, this is the first time the local Honda dealer has ever had to change out this seal. It's like winning the lottery, without receiving any money.

Lainey

I don't know...Many S2000s sit all winter with no issue. Is this common? I've been led to believe Honda's never need repair. Are they making any goodwill offer on repair costs?

We have about 52K on our '04 and it sits for months at a time.

Jet sitter

Are they making any goodwill offer on repair costs?
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I was hoping that you would start a collection for me Lainey!

Lainey

I think Honda has more money, than anyone I could "hit up" for a donation. I'd be fussing rather loudly to the dealer/factory rep, if I were you.