Sneaky Oil leak [1G]

[Oblivion02]

Hey guys,

I have a very sneaky oil leak, which I cant quite point out what is its source. It's not a big leak, every month or so it wastes around 1 quart. Since I frequently check my oil, I dont let it become a serious problem, but this is very annoying. I was considering buying one of those Lucas Oil Additives to "fix" oil leaks. However, I was a bit concerned with using additives because I do not want the oil to become to thick and not be able to pass through the turbo feed lines comfortably. Should I be concerned about this? Any hints or tips to solve this sneaky oil leak problem?

-Oblivion

 

[b00stedtalon2]

See where it drops on the ground then trace it up to get a general Idea of where its leaking from. Clean the area with brake cleaner then have a friend start the car to see if you can pin point where its leaking from.

 

[ClevelandDSM]

When you say leak, is it burning oil, or is it leaving a mark on the ground.

If its on the ground, put something white under it ( a pizza box works for me ) so you can get an exact, visable mark to work with. Then like said above, use that mark to move up the motor, clean it off with brake\carb clean, and see if you can watch it drip.

 

[Whophlungpoo]

Clean the area with brake clean then use some oil dye, and while the car was running look for the dye.

 

[Oblivion02]

I will try all of the above. I left a cardboard box under it, and some paper, to see if I could pin down its source. HOwever, regarding the oil additives... Can they be harmful to my turbo or engine? Any suggestions as far as oil additives?

 

[codyw]

Ive never had luck with additives in other cars. Ive never used them on my dsm, I would stay away from them and do the job right. find the leak and fix the gasket/seal/whatever.

 

[rock1t]

additives add gunk to your engine and prevent engine life... trust me i work at advance auto parts and the additives are a temporary fix and even the bottles recommend seeing a mechanic. the lucas is really thick stuff and takes forever to come out of the bottle. All the lucas does and thicken up your oil and slows the leak. nothing will fix it except for finding it.

clean your engine bay amazingly like it came out of the show room, that means underneath and everything. then you will find it.

 

[Oblivion02]

Thanks guys! Will do this in the weekend!

 

[GalantGreg]

I have a small leak that seems to be coming from somehere around the oil filter area. It is not a big oil leak, but I see small drips around that area.

 

[DSM1G90]

coming from somehere around the oil filter area

.. you might need a new VG gasket. bet it's leaking around the front and it'll drizzle down to the filter area.

I have a very sneaky oil leak

.. wonder if that "naughty sneaky" oil is sneaking past your valve guides and seals....

 

[Anarchology]

Don't go with additives. They only try to mask the problem rather than try to fix it. As said above, I would definitely toss a can of Engine Brite on the engine (covering the electrical, of course), and following the directions on the can to successfully wash off dirt and oil. If your engine is badly caked with oil and dirt, then buy a couple cans of brake parts cleaner and blast the heavy spots.

Losing a quart a month is pretty significant, and the problem should be located. Put cardboard under the car to pinpoint the leak (after cleaning and driving the car). Also have someone look at the exhaust when you rev it. If smoke appears... plan on pulling the motor and doing the piston rings.

If you don't see any drips on the cardboard, then you are most likely looking at an internal problem. If you aren't seeing blue smoke out of the tailpipe or dripping on the cardboard, then you are looking at a more serious internal problem. Hopefully being a bad head gasket, though that would put out some kind of smoke (blue or white) out the tailpipe... or a more serious possibility of a small crack between the coolant and oil ducting within the block. Drain your coolant to see if any oil shows up, or your oil to see if it is the consistency of chocolate milk.

Just a couple thoughts from previous experience. Hope this helps.

 

[GalantGreg]

.. you might need a new VG gasket. bet it's leaking around the front and it'll drizzle down to the filter area.

What is a "VG" gasket?