I have a 2013 Honda Accord Touring with a V6 engine and 167K miles. Not too long ago I got an oil change and the person working on my car said I had an oil leak that was leaking on the alternator. I looked under the hood and thought it was not true, that another mechanic said it was oil cam plugs needing replacement which was something I found out could be a DIY project. Today, the battery charging problem light just came on and I'm afraid this guy was right. Is there a problem besides just the alternator potentially needing replacement? I may need to fix the oil leak if any too. I'm now beginning to question keeping this car even though car prices are insane. I've replaced the oil filter gasket housing. water pump twice, ABS module, front shocks and struts stabilizer bar and tie rod ends, replaced the starter, one brake line hose. I don't have the tools or space to do any of this work. Please help.
Is there a problem besides just the alternator potentially needing replacement?
Why not load test the alternator and find out if it is functioning properly?
the valve cover gasket needs replacing and the spool valve was leaking and oil was leaking onto the alternator. I'm presuming this caused the alternator to fail as it is now or am I wrong?
It's possible, certainly alternators don't like being soaked in oil. Another possibility is a fault in the voltage regulator which is usually built into the ECU in modern cars, but that's less likely. A good mechanic should be able to determine the cause. (Alternators can be tested out of the car, eliminating external voltage regulation as a factor. In fact if you were able to remove the alternator and take to a store like AutoZone they could test it for you.)
Update: I just went to Auto Zone yo test the alternator and battery and the battery will need a charge but other than that it's fine but the voltage regulation is bad indicating and bad charging system according to them. A previous visit to a mechanic at the dealership (I only went for an oil and transmission fluid change, not the best idea but was pressed for time) they said the valve cover gasket needs replacing and the spool valve was leaking and oil was leaking onto the alternator. I'm presuming this caused the alternator to fail as it is now or am I wrong?