[WaterWorld]

2003 Honda recon oil leak between engine and trans

Neighbor is looking at a 2003 Honda Recon. Owner states that it has an oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Says it doesn’t gush but will eventually end up on the ground. The leak has been there for years. It only leaks after a good ride. It won’t leak just sitting.

If it needs repair my neighbor would probably have a shop do the work.
In your opinion do you think it is serious and he should just walk away? Sounds like the guy is asking $1500

Also, no title but owner has provided what he believes the VIN number is to check it. Seems he may have misread as we have both been unable to pull info. What VIN check site is recommended?

Thank you for your help.



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[wheelsquad]

2003 Honda recon oil leak between engine and trans

Neighbor is looking at a 2003 Honda Recon. Owner states that it has an oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Says it doesn’t gush but will eventually end up on the ground. The leak has been there for years. It only leaks after a good ride. It won’t leak just sitting.

If it needs repair my neighbor would probably have a shop do the work.
In your opinion do you think it is serious and he should just walk away? Sounds like the guy is asking $1500

Also, no title but owner has provided what he believes the VIN number is to check it. Seems he may have misread as we have both been unable to pull info. What VIN check site is recommended?

Thank you for your help.



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All honda's have integrated engine and transmissions. That's why their motor oil needs to be approved for wet clutches.

So the seller is a little confused obviously. If I had to guess, he would be referring to the cylinder base gasket leaking? Pics would help tremendously....

 

[WaterWorld]

Thanks. Attached are 2 pics. Hopefully these are helpful.

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[wheelsquad]

Thanks. Attached are 2 pics. Hopefully these are helpful. View attachment 132692 View attachment 132694


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Ok so that looks like either the crankcase gasket is leaking, or the rear crankcase cover gasket. Can't tell for sure from the pics. The former takes a splitting of cases to replace. The latter a removal of the rear cover.

 

[retro]

Maybe its the drain plug leaking not the cases? Those can be stripped out easily by overtightening and its a very common problem.

 

[wheelsquad]

Maybe its the drain plug leaking not the cases? Those can be stripped out easily by overtightening and its a very common problem.

Good point, retro, very well could be. Aslo less likely but possible is that the drain bolt sealing washer is missing, or leaking from being overused or overcompressed?

 

[alloutdoors]

I agree with above on possibilities and suggest going back to see if some pictures could be taken in better light. Also, I would walk away from the unit if there is no way to find a VIN number (you will find it on the frame somewhere on the front or rear end around the suspension, look hard) on the unit. If you can find the VIN, copy it and stop at the police station and ask if there are any records on the VIN number, because the last thing you want is to get a VIN number, try and register it and find out it has issue, loosing the ATV and money.

 

[WaterWorld]

It sounds like my neighbor is going to pass on this one. He’s got enough repairs at this time with his kids Moto4s. Good point on the VIN too. I checked our Honda’s VIN after reading your suggestion.
Thank you all for the insight and advice.


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