Any ideas (oil leak?), 2 qt of oil gone in 5 days.... Options

[CelicaChick95]

I changed my oil last Sunday and it was completely gone in 5 days. Any one have any ideas what could be leaking that would cause my celi to loose this much oil in such a short period of time? My dad thinks it may be a main seal leak, but he didn’t tell me which one, is that a possibility? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Remy]

Just looking at the engine do you see any visible oil leak ?? or oil residue ?? you could be burning oil check your spark plugs to see if theirs any oil on them too. (if you see oil on your spark plugs thats a bad sign...)

[CelicaChick95]

Just looking at the engine do you see any visible oil leak ?? or oil residue ?? you could be burning oil check your spark plugs to see if theirs any oil on them too. (if you see oil on your spark plugs thats a bad sign...)

I just changed my spark plugs this weekend and they had white tips. but when you look down in the engine the plastic thing on the bottom of the engine is covered in oil. so it has to be something expensive. =/ which isn't good.

[devilsden97]

GONNA SOUND STUPID...BUT, DID YOU PUT THE OIL DRAIN PLUG BACK IN? IS IT IN TIGHT? HOW ABOUT THE FILTER? (IS IT ON TIGHT?)


IF THEY ARE ALL IN/ON AND TIGHT. CHECK YOUR VALVE COVER GASKET

[Bitter]

yea, step one is to LOOK for oil leaks. we cant do eveything for you

[CelicaChick95]

yea, step one is to LOOK for oil leaks. we cant do eveything for you

I can't see any.
I'm going to put it up on a lift tomorrow so that will help a little bit.

[ExSane]

The plastic thing on the bottom is the Oil Filter. That needs to be changed every oil change. It's only worth like $10.00. If you take your car to technicians every oil change, then don't worry about it becuz they are suppose to change that out. Also, the best way to check for leaks is to clean your engine bay up. You can pressure wash the engine bay and make sure to use degreaser in oily spots. Let it dry or dry it up. After that, pour in some oil and let the car run. It'll show you where the leaks are (oil DRIPPING or SLUDGING out). But if there is no leak, your engine is BURNING oil.

[Bitter]

if it burned that much oil in that amount of time that would be a mosquito fogger not a car!

[Stu37363]

i agree, my camry went through a quart a day and it left one hell of a smokescreen

if you were burning it in the engine i think you would notice.

and as far as the "plastic thing" sounds more like he means the undercar dust panels than the oil filter

This post has been edited by Stu37363: Oct 10, 2006 - 7:27 PM

[6strngs]

was it leaking/burning any oil before you changed the oil? if not, I'd think it'd be something simple and obvious like not putting the drain plug back in all the way or something...

[toyotatech]

try washing the engine first top and bottom the best you can, mabye use some degreaser. it makes it easier to see where its coming from. is the car leaving oil spots on the ground?

[CelicaChick95]

It was my valve gasket seal thing thats pooring oil out like crazy. Which is better than the rear main seal.

[devilsden97]

GONNA SOUND STUPID...BUT, DID YOU PUT THE OIL DRAIN PLUG BACK IN? IS IT IN TIGHT? HOW ABOUT THE FILTER? (IS IT ON TIGHT?)


IF THEY ARE ALL IN/ON AND TIGHT. CHECK YOUR VALVE COVER GASKET

It was my valve gasket seal thing thats pooring oil out like crazy. Which is better than the rear main seal.

devilsden97 ftw!

[Remy]

It was my valve gasket seal thing thats pooring oil out like crazy. Which is better than the rear main seal.

That tells you the motor is not gonna last for long so rebuilt or new motor....soon...

[ExSane]

It was my valve gasket seal thing thats pooring oil out like crazy. Which is better than the rear main seal.

Glad to hear it wasn't a major mechanic work.

[Bitter]

It was my valve gasket seal thing thats pooring oil out like crazy. Which is better than the rear main seal.

That tells you the motor is not gonna last for long so rebuilt or new motor....soon...

not really....it just means that the valve cover gasket went bad as they often do. its a rubber seal being subjected to heat and oil for many many years, tho do go bad.

[CelicaChick95]

It was my valve gasket seal thing thats pooring oil out like crazy. Which is better than the rear main seal.

That tells you the motor is not gonna last for long so rebuilt or new motor....soon...

yeah you were right I just didn't know what to look for.

[tnltracy]

Quick query on this topic: how do you remove the valve cover? I did a quick visual and don't see obvious bolts to remove. Mine's leaking out the backside as well, although very small leak

[CelicaChick95]

Take out the spark plug boots and there should be some bolts in there, one bolt in each. Four total. then you have to unconnect some wirers and it should come right off. but make sure you drain the oil first. It's really easy, or so I am told. Parts at Autozone to replace it are like $40 total, give or take a few.

[Bitter]

you dont need to drain the engine oil, just let the car sit till the engine feels like its not hot enough to burn you anymore then get to work.