If you have an oil leak under your Integra there might be a chance it could be one of your oil gallery plugs leaking. This issue was common enough on the 1990 models that Acura issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to follow up on the matter. I don’t know if the issue extends to integras after 1990, but if your vehicle is leaking oil you may want to read through this tip.
The Helms manual doesn’t really mention oil gallery plugs specifications, and neither does the Haynes. Acura, through their Technical Service Bulletins, does however shed some light on the issue surrounding leaking gallery plugs on the Integra. There are three main gallery plugs on the engine block that are known to cause oil leaks. There is one on the timing belt side just below the water pump, another on the back of the block next to the oil filter and rear engine mount, and the third (and hardest one to access) is located between the transmission and the engine.
Gallery Plug image 2
Gallery Plug image 3
To give you an idea of what’s involved, here is an excerpt from Service Bulletin 1189-01:
“Leaky gallery plugs are deceptive. If the front plug leaks, it
may look like the oil pump housing is leaking. If the plug on the
back of the block leaks, it may look like the oil filter or oil
pan gasket is leaking. If the plug on the transmission end of the
block leaks, it may look like a leaky crank seal.”
You can read the full TSBs pertaining to leaking oil gallery plugs below.
Technical Service Bulletin 0889-04
Technical Service Bulletin 1189-01
Technical Service Bulletin 0390-06
Technical Service Bulletin 91-005
I’ve numbered the TSBs above for logical reading order. There are mixed suggestions within the TSBs. The earlier TSBs on gallery plugs states to retorque the plugs at 72-80 ft/lbs, while later TSBs state to retorque the plugs at 93 ft/lbs. The earliest TSB on the subject didn’t even mention the plug on the transmission side at all.
In reading the TSBs, here are the important points I’ve gathered from the articles to avoid some confusion:
- When fixing the leak, REPLACE the plug with a new one instead of re-using the old one. On top of that, make sure you order a new plug that has fresh sealant on the threads from the dealer. If you get a plug that has dried sealant on the threads, don’t use it. It is more than likely older shelf stock. The plug that Acura ordered when they fixed my leak was 11106-PR4-003. There is another part number for the plug listed as 11106-PR4-305, and the parts person at Acura said both parts were identical, so whichever you go with, just make sure they are ordering one with UNDRIED SEALANT on the threads. The plug itself costs about $7.00.
The sealant on the gallery plug is actually threadlock, and if you’re absolutely stuck with dried stock you can purchase new threadlock sealant at your autoparts store and apply it yourself, just make sure to clean off the old sealant first. Permatex and Loctite both sell threadlock sealants in different strength levels, just make sure you get the RED type. Don’t use Hondabond; threadlock sealants were designed for specific applications different than uses for hondabond. If you don’t apply the threadlock, the plug could come loose again afterwards due to engine vibration.
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There is a gasket/washer that you also need to replace along with the gallery plug. It is part number 12207-634-300 and costs about $3.00.
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Torquing the plug is critical. Early TSBs recommended a torque value of 72-80 ft/lbs, then Acura revised it later to 93 ft/lbs.
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Although not stated, it may also be a good idea to replace the rear main seal if you are going to fix the plug on the transmission side to save yourself the additional work later (This seal is under $20 at most Acura dealers, part# 91214-PLE-003 for auto tranny).
WHAT TO DO -
If in fact you do conclude that one or more of your gallery plugs are leaking oil, you have two options for fixing them: you do it yourself, or have a mechanic fix it for you.
If you decide to fix it yourself, just be aware that the gallery plug on the transmission side involves major labor, as it involves tearing out the transmission to access the plug. Then again, everything involves labor.
FIXING THE LEAK -
My car had a gallery plug leak in, of all places, the transmission side of the engine block. The oil leaks would accumulate on the floor and ground and eventually saturate the area over time. Under the car, it was evident that oil was seeping from somewhere above the transmission and running down along the underside of the transmission housing.
I brought my car to a local Acura dealer and told them that I had a gallery plug leaking on my car. The service advisor said ‘sorry, never heard of it before’. After telling them that there were several TSBs on the subject he wrote a note on the service order advising the techs to read their in-house service bulletins before doing the diagnostic. Afterwards he said the techs did verify that the gallery plug on the transmission side was indeed leaking oil. I gave them the go ahead to fix it. I told them to replace the rear main oil seal as well while the transmission was off. After the entire job was finished and seven hours later, I got my car back. Total charge was $585, which included parts (gallery plug, gasket washer, rear main seal). Finally, there were no more leaks!
There is a chance that your car’s gallery plugs are fine and your oil leaks may be traced to other sources (ie, oil pump, oil pan, cam seal, main seal, etc). I’m just including this tip here in case anyone wanted more information on this obscure topic or they’ve run out of leads. I’ve also included some other TSB info related to oil leaks below.
This one talks about leaking camshaft seals. Note that if you are replacing your camshaft oil seals the part numbers have been changed since this TSB. The newer camshaft oil seal part# is 91203-PFB-003 (you need two).
91-051
This bulletin talks about how protective wax undercoatings on the engine may be perceived as oil leaks.
0593-01
