Busted Head Gasket?

[juicy19]

If there is oil showing up on the outside of the block, in the front - behind the header, does this mean the head gasket may be going?
Its not from a sloppy oil change or anything like that.
Am I in trouble? its a 2001 prelude with 30,000 miles on it.

[whtteg]

It could be and most likely is the valve cover gasket. Do an oil change and see if the oil looks milky or foamy, if not then you are ok.

[juicy19]

I did an oil change about 2 weeks ago and everything looked normal. If the head gasket was shot, what are other tell tale signs?

[i_a_n112784]

The other major sign of a bad head gasket is white smoke coming out of the exhaust (after it has all warmed up), that is coolant burning, and as a result, you'll be loosing coolant, so check to see if it is disappearing.

[juicy19]

The oil is coming from the seam between the head and the block. not a lot or anything, its more of a small stain, but it worries me. I haven't noticed any discolored exhaust smoke or dropping coolant levels. What do you guys think?

[juicy19]

This oil "stain" is getting bigger. I'm worried about what this is. Is it normal to have this? does anyone else have some input? I'd rather not take it to the dealer for a checkup.

[whtteg]

It could be a number of things, the most likely is the camshaft seals. There is a seal/plug next to the distributor that will start to leak at around 30K miles. also the front cam seals could be leaking and the oil is running down the front ( the side facing the driver's fender) and running along the seam of the head and block. You can't see the cam seasl on the front though unless you remove the timming belst cover etc.

[juicy19]

It looks to me like its coming from the area near the distributor. Where is the plug/seal in relation to the distributor? To the left? THat's the area where it seems to be originating? Can you help me locate what needs to be fixed, and maybe a tutorial?

I really appreciate your help so far. You've been great. Is this an easy diy?

Thanks so much.

[snowman2005]

i had oil i that area near the hearders where the head was joint to teh block and it was my valve cover gasket that was screwd up. no oil can come from the head gasket teh first thing ull see is coolant leaking out before u see oil. like u said tough it might just be ur distibutor gasket.
this might help taking stuff apart http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/CivicManual/index.html

[whtteg]

The seal I am talking about is directly to the right of the distributor. It is behind the vtec solenoid. Can't miss it. Go here and download yur manual it will help alot. http://www.icelord.net/honda/repair/

[juicy19]

hey whtteg, thanks for the site, but I can't download any chapters. Is there something special I need to do?

[juicy19]

whtteg you are the man. I replaced the cam seal and cleaned up the engine and it's good as new. thanks for your help!