New oil leak
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Rucker AL
New oil leak
For the past week I've noticed a burning oil smell when I get out of my car, so I finally jacked it up hoping to find a plastic bag melted to the catalytic converters.... instead I found oil that appears to be collecting at either be the very rear portion of the oil pan or the junction of the engine to the clutch housing (?). 
The leak doesn't leave any spots on the ground even after three days of sitting, nor does it when I left the car idling for 30 minutes to try to find it. It doesn't create any smoke although it's showing splatter on the exhaust, so it must only drip a little and get blown back when running hard. If it weren't for the smell, I wouldn't have even noticed it.
Additionally, it seems to coincide fairly closely with my last oil change when the tech put in all seven quarts of oil I gave him, instead of 6.5. Didn't think anything of it at the time, but would any overflow during hard driving make it's way down to that point?
Any ideas why this area would suddenly develop a leak, and how difficult will it be to repair?
Thanks,
Steve
The leak doesn't leave any spots on the ground even after three days of sitting, nor does it when I left the car idling for 30 minutes to try to find it. It doesn't create any smoke although it's showing splatter on the exhaust, so it must only drip a little and get blown back when running hard. If it weren't for the smell, I wouldn't have even noticed it.
Additionally, it seems to coincide fairly closely with my last oil change when the tech put in all seven quarts of oil I gave him, instead of 6.5. Didn't think anything of it at the time, but would any overflow during hard driving make it's way down to that point?
Any ideas why this area would suddenly develop a leak, and how difficult will it be to repair?
Thanks,
Steve
Last edited by Bounty Hunter 10; Aug 11, 2006 at 03:11 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
If it appears to be coming from the passenger side, look at the joint where the top of the oil pan (not the lower section) comes together with the block and the back cover plate. Mine leaked enough there to actually drip a couple of drops for awhile when the oil level was high as you described. As the oil level came down, it has almost stopped.
Clean the side of the oil pan off, and see if you can see it collecting at the seam.
Clean the side of the oil pan off, and see if you can see it collecting at the seam.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
I can say the last time I had a burning smell and it was in conjuction with an oil change, it was my oil filter letting little bits of oil come out. I had nothing on the floor either. it was blowing back on the underside of the parts close by, I dont remember off hand. I never new if it was a bad rubber gasket or just a faulty outer casing. That was the 1st and last time I used a K&N oil filter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
I have this EXACT problem. I've had it for 6000 miles or so ('04 coupe). I've been trying to figure it out with no success.... some have said maybe oil temp or oil level sensors. Seems like I looked at those before and couldn't tell anything. I need to get a mirror I guess.
Let me know if you figure anything out.
Let me know if you figure anything out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
as said.. I would get a small mirror and try to see if there is any evidence of oil on the oil pressure sender behind the intake manifold.. I've had this complaint before.. see oil residue on the back of the enigne and oil pan ect... but no drips on the ground.. and usually find the oil pressure sensor which is a common issue...
Good luck...
-=Rick
Good luck...
-=Rick
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Oil leak
I have a 2000 with 12k miles. Mine has same problem. Can't confirm if its leaking from the upper oil pan joint where it meets the block (passenger side) or if its a main seal or rear cover gasket. I cleaned it off, and let the car idle for about 10 minutes and no leak. Drove the car for 5 miles, put it back on the lift and oil seems to be coming from joint between the rear housing and where the oil pan (upper oil pan joint) meets the block. I ruled out the oil pressure sensor which seems to be a common problem. My oil level was high but I lowered it and it still leaks. Just a few drops.
I hate to take everything apart:
1. without knowing exactly where its leaking from, but I may have no other alternative.
2. that its a common problem and starts to leak 6 months later.
Did you ever solve your problem?
Any help is appreciated
I hate to take everything apart:
1. without knowing exactly where its leaking from, but I may have no other alternative.
2. that its a common problem and starts to leak 6 months later.
Did you ever solve your problem?
Any help is appreciated
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
oil leak
I lowered my oil level like others have stated, to the lower mark on the dip stick. But it is still leaking. I was trying to be optimistic that it may be something simple, but no luck.
I know its not the oil pressure sensor, because I can see that its dry with a mirror. I'm leaning to pulling the intake so I can get a better look at the cover that covers the valley below the intake, and seeing if that cover is leaking, thus dripping down around the back of the motor.
I think it may be wise to do this first, since it will only take me a couple hours to pull the intake and inspect that area, before I get involved in replacing a rear engine seal.
From what I understand you have to remove just about the whole drivetrain to replace the rear seal and rear cover gasket.
What have you heard about this problem, or decided to do?
I know its not the oil pressure sensor, because I can see that its dry with a mirror. I'm leaning to pulling the intake so I can get a better look at the cover that covers the valley below the intake, and seeing if that cover is leaking, thus dripping down around the back of the motor.
I think it may be wise to do this first, since it will only take me a couple hours to pull the intake and inspect that area, before I get involved in replacing a rear engine seal.
From what I understand you have to remove just about the whole drivetrain to replace the rear seal and rear cover gasket.
What have you heard about this problem, or decided to do?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by PaintFence
Hey, if you beat me at the repair attempt let me know how you make out.
I'll keep you updated on what I find when I pull the intake. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I'll keep you updated on what I find when I pull the intake. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
oil leak
any big box tool store like sears or homedepot sell mirrors that are attached to a telescoping handle, like an old radio antenna. They are made for doing visual inpections in tight areas. For help use a flashlight and shine it on the mirror to see easier. You may have to position yourself a few different times to see the pressure sensor
Good luck
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 25
From: STL Mo
I pulled my intake yesterday and sure as anything it was the sensor leaking like crazy down the back of the engine. Also have to say that intake came off easy campared to my old 87 vert, and light weight
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Dennis from Hesperia Ca
I have a leak also, but after a day of just sitting in the garage there is a puddle on the floor about the size of a small pan cake. I'll try to find that oil sensor. I pulled off the plastic valve covers to get a better look. Couldn't see crap. Is the oil sensor in the same place as the older small blocks?