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How long could this have been leaking for and source? Photos
Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
I removed the oil filter from my C4 today to check for any metal particles. It was recommended by some of you here since I have an engine ticking noise to check for bearing failure. Oil filter looked fine but I found an oil leak that looks like its spread out pretty far or its multiple leaks of course. I am new to diagnosing car issues so excuse my lack of knowledge if this is a dumb question and the source of the leaks are obvious.
The car is pretty new to me, it was not leaking oil when I bought it but I didnt take a really good look underneath. It started to drip a few weeks ago a little after I noticed the ticking noise. It will drip a few drops in only 1 area but not enough to make it a tiny puddle or spread on the ground.
Where the dripping happens, center of front side of car under the engine
Noticed more here under valve covers
Also, even though its not dripping much oil should I be checking my oil level weekly? Not sure if a lot of it evaporates before hitting the ground.
Last edited by woodstockdrifter; 11-07-2016 at 05:15 AM.
I removed the oil filter from my C4 today to check for any metal particles. It was recommended by some of you here since I have an engine ticking noise to check for bearing failure. Oil filter looked fine but I found an oil leak that looks like its spread out pretty far or its multiple leaks of course. I am new to diagnosing car issues so excuse my lack of knowledge if this is a dumb question and the source of the leaks are obvious.
The car is pretty new to me, it was not leaking oil when I bought it but I didnt take a really good look underneath. It started to drip a few weeks ago a little after I noticed the ticking noise. It will drip a few drops in only 1 area but not enough to make it a tiny puddle or spread on the ground.
Where the dripping happens, center of front side of car under the engine
Noticed more here under valve covers
Also, even though its not dripping much oil should I be checking my oil level weekly? Not sure if a lot of it evaporates before hitting the ground.
It's a 30 yr old car. A little oil leak is common. If it's just a spot on the ground it's nothing to worry about. Your engine is certainly not going to fail because of it.
I don't see how removing the oil filter is going to help you with determining engine wear.
My 1985 leaked and it was dripping underneath. When I installed new injectors and had the top of the engine off I found about half of the manifold bolts loose. I just re-torqued them to spec and have not had one drop of oil on the floor since.
My 1985 leaked and it was dripping underneath. When I installed new injectors and had the top of the engine off I found about half of the manifold bolts loose. I just re-torqued them to spec and have not had one drop of oil on the floor since.
You lucked out . That has never worked for me. I usually end up replacing the gaskets .
If it were my car I would start with replacing the valve cover gaskets. They are obviously leaking from your pictures and they are cheap and easy to replace. After that I would pressure wash the underside and put some dye in the oil and hit it with a black light like Aklim suggested. That will tell you exactly where the rest of the oil is coming from.
If it were my car I would start with replacing the valve cover gaskets. They are obviously leaking from your pictures and they are cheap and easy to replace. After that I would pressure wash the underside and put some dye in the oil and hit it with a black light like Aklim suggested. That will tell you exactly where the rest of the oil is coming from.
That's what I will do. Thank you guys for the replies.
That's what I will do. Thank you guys for the replies.
Let your fingers do the walking. Touch the area just below the VC and see if it feels oily. FWIW, that isn't necessarily the end of it. You might have other leaks but that is the highest point. I would do the VC gaskets if you have to and wash it all of with brake cleaner so you have a clean start after the VC gaskets. When it is off, dump some dye and I would double strength it so it comes out clear.
11-07-2016, 05:07 AM
How long could this have been leaking for and source? Photos
