Another transmission leak post

[Bingo883]

Hi all, I am new to the forum and new to The Honda scene. Thanks to this forum I learned a lot about my car. I got an 05 Accord V6 coupe EXL with 105k on her two months ago. I knew about the honda transmission problem before hand but based on the inspection by my mechanic and myself, I thought it wouldn't happen to me.
So after getting the car, learned that the timing belt, water pump, oil and air filter were already serviced, I decided to do a drain and fill on the ATF using oem Honda stuff. Just days after I finished with that, it started to leak... Every time I take her out for a drive and it will start leaking. It seems like it is comings from the seam next to the draining bolt. The tranny is still shifting very smoothly and I keep checking the fluid level to make sure it is not too low.
Now, my mechanic said it might be a gasket or a seal went south but it is still good to drive as long as the fuild level is good. He wouldn't open it for less then $500....
I almost try the "stop leak" stuff from pepboys but learned it does more harm in the long run.
Any idea what to do next?

[Accord2004]

Have you checked the torque setting on the ATF drain bolt?

[2006accord4]

Crawl back down there and snap a photo.

[Bingo883]

It's definitly not from the drain bolt. It was clean when I put her on the jack.

[Bingo883]

Here they are:

[gwiffer]

You need to put it on jack-stands and clean off all of the fluid. Then run the car for a few minutes (still on jack-stands) to find the leak.

What do the axle seals look like?

[mc1114]

It looks more brown than pink/red. Its not the rear main seal?

[2006accord4]

ATF is red...this looks like some other oil.

[cjy3]

Originally Posted by 2006accord4

ATF is red...this looks like some other oil.

I agree, looks like oil not ATF.

[BLCKFLSH]

That's not red, so I'd guess engine main seal. Has the transmission fluid level been dropping, or the engine oil level? As mentioned before, clean it off, and try to pinpoint the source.

[Bingo883]

Pictures just can't tell the whole story... The fluid on the card board has a red tone to it, that's why I thought its the tranny. Will have to put her back on the jack on Monday to find out.... What a disappointment.....

[Bingo883]

It's confirmed... It's the engine rear main seal.... I am so upset! I only have this car a little more than a month.
So suggestion please.... Is $750 to replace the seal a fair price?
Should I try using "high mileage" motor oil or heavier weight oil, like 5w30, to see if it will help with the leak first?
Or should I try Lucas engine oil stop leak before replacing the seal?
Open to other suggestion.....
Thanks guys!

[yi3o8]

It's a tough call but I would avoid mechanic in a bottle. Go with a higher weighted oil, and if it's a slow leak then maybe just live with it.

In the end it's your call.

[2006accord4]

Get another estimate from a different place to compare.

[SatinSilver]

I'd try some High Mileage oil like Valvoline Max Life. Worked for me when I had some minor oil consumption. I'd avoid the Lucas stuff since its too thick.