Heres the gist: I'm leaking oil big time! I filled in 4.4L of motor oil and lost it all in 10 minutes. I have attached some photos, please tell me what that thing is and how I can fix it. The first photo is to show the location of the leak relative to the oil filter. I know it is the part by the lowest pulley.




Possibly relevant information: I went out for a quick drive around the block then parked my car after about 5 minutes. 30 minutes later it wouldn't start again. The starter would crank but engine wouldn't ignite. 1.5 hours later I came back and it started just like normal.

Description of situation: Drove for about 20 minutes in the city and another 20 minutes on the highway then the "add more oil" light came on. I stopped to check and there was a bit of smoke coming from the engine bay on the drivers side. I checked the level and it was low, so I drove slowly to the nearest town and added an entire jug of oil. After 10kms of driving I lost all 4.4L because the light came on and the level was low again. I notice that some oil is getting on some part of the exhaust.

 

Im leaking oil pretty good too...I'm just hoping its not from the upper pan...wish I could help man

 

 

front main seal, replace it

 

Sorry OLT, never thought performance-degrading issues would be put here too, thought it was only for performance-enhancing lol.

@bio3m: the uhh what? Sounds kind of important. How big of a job is it? And what would cause this problem? Is is a common problem?

 

@bio3m: the uhh what? Sounds kind of important. How big of a job is it? And what would cause this problem? Is is a common problem?[/QUOTE]

Yes it is important, yes it is a big, or atleast important job, and probably just age. God I hope not.

 

yeah my front main seal is leaking, I just replaced it too...Anyway it's a pain, you might as well knock out the timing belt and water pump too

 

Like others said, probably front main seal which is the same procedure as changing timing belt. Sometimes seals just get old and sometimes they leak for a reason related to oil quality/engine stuff. For example: clogged PVCs can build pressure to cause oil leaks; however, something like that would most likely show prior symptoms.

While changing the front seal, you may want to change the cam seals and other engine/oil seals at the same time (along with timing belt/wtr pump as others mentioned).

Also, since it sounds like the engine might have ran without oil, it should be checked for damage. Good Luck.

BTW, I had a front seal leak caused by someone not properly installing it. The shaft was gouged by someone improperly prying out an old one (so before putting in a new one, make sure the shaft and outer wall are smooth). A little polishing and new seal did the trick, not a drop since.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback!

Approximately how much do you think it would cost to have this fixed up?

 

Start getting intimate with your car and do it yourself. Since you should do the timing belt and water pump at the same time it will cost around $800 for labor from what I've been quoted.

 

i wouldnt doubt it if it was the crank seal. but always look higher than than that first, starting at the valve cover and working your way down, checking the cam seals too.

looks like original FIPG on the oil pan too (never been resealed)

 

Do 'em all! if u do it urself, ur not gonna want to take it apart again and again, trust me.

 

its real fun getting the crank bolt off as it's torqued to 250ft-lbs yay..

 

A lot. Let us know how it goes for you bro!

 

haha damn.
i guess keep a breaker bar handy :] and a long pole just incase its too hard :]