2005 Nissan Altima Can't find Oil Leak

Tiny
TIGUEPOTTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 63,000 MILES
Recently i've been smelling oil while coming to a stop when i'm driving, especially when the heat is turned on. I've thoroughly monitored the ground and have found no signs of a leak (drip). So my assumption so far is that it's leaking onto the engine somewhere and is burning off before it reaches past the block. I've looked without taking the intake manifold off and didn't find much. I dont really notice a significant drop in the oil so it's not a big leak. Just enough to smeill. I would like to investigate or even change the valve cover gaskets and use process of elimination to see if its something simple and economic. Question 1, do you feel that a leak coming out of a valve cover would have this situation or do you feel I should probably go deeper in the motor and change the head gaskets, while looking at oil lines for cracks or leaks. Because right now I can't find the leak I can only smell it. Thank you for your time, I hope to hear back from you soon.
Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 AT 9:17 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

When you were looking for the leak did you see any area that was wetter than any other?

You can make it a little easier by going by your local auto parts store and getting some oil dye. You will also need a black light. Then clean the engine. Put in dye and run for about 30 min. Turn off vehicle and look around engine with black light. You should see a floresent green dye were the leak is.

.
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Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 AT 9:25 PM

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