EngineQuestionCommunity Starter

Small oil leak or just old residue?

EuroBuyer81Community StarterApr 28, 20262023 Acura Integra A-SpecAustin
2023 Acura Integra A-Spec, about 118,000 miles. There is a damp area around the lower side of the engine but nothing reaches the ground overnight. I cleaned it once and it slowly came back. What's the best way to trace whether this is an active leak versus years of grime? Appreciate any ideas on what to check first.
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7 replies

TrailDadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2023 Acura Integra does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
ApexGal99Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2023 Acura Integra and see if the fault moves. That's the branch I'd chase this week. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
EuroBuyer81Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
OP here — recorded a short video and noted speed, temp, and whether it was in gear. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
ApexGal99Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2023 Acura Integra and see if the fault moves. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “small oil leak or just old residue,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2023 Acura Integra in Austin with 118,000 miles. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
RustRiderCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2023 Acura Integra if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 2023 Acura Integra in Austin with 118,000 miles. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
FlatSixEnthusiast40Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Two 2023 Acura Integras can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “small oil leak or just old residue,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
HybridRoadie83Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2023 Acura Integra and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
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