When I last posted, I had decided to accept Honda's offer to repair the blown crank seal and give me an extended warranty. (The original post is copied below.) Since that time I have been tracking the gas mileage, as a possible way to see if there is any engine damage. I am now quite sure that there was damage and it has increased the engine friction.
Prior to the oil leak, I drove a total of 900 miles. The mileage, as indicated on the dashboard, was 19.8 mpg. I just tracked the mileage over two fillups. The mileage is now 18.5. This is a decrease of 6.5%. Both of these figures are over the same suburban roads, doing the same errands, day after day. This is a statistically significant change, and the only explanation for it is internal engine damager. (I verified that the dashboard indicator is correct, by comparing it to my own calculations from the pump. The indicated mpg is within 0.5% of the calculated mpg. I also verified the car's odometer against measured mile sticks.)
I plan to contact Honda and ask for a new engine or a new car. Comments/advice appreciated.
Chuck Connell
I have a one-month old 07 CRV with about 900 miles. Last night I noticed the oil light blinking randomly. I checked the oil level as soon as I got home, just a couple miles later. It was down, so I added a quart. I did another short errand (5 miles), then checked the oil again. Still low, so I added another quart and parked it for the night. This morning I checked the stick and it showed nothing. So I added two more quarts, bringing the level up to full (2nd hole in the stick). I drove the car directly to the dealer this morning (about 5 miles) with no oil light coming on.
I now realize that the oil has been running out for a week or more. There are oil spots where I park my car at work, and two large spots in my driveway. The oil level was down 4 quarts!