Repair Topics / Engine Oil Leaks-1 / Engine Oil Leaks-2

• Why does my engine leak oil?
• Engine has high or low oil pressure
• Why is there oil in the coolant?
• Why is there coolant in the engine oil?
• Why is my engine leaking coolant?
• How to change motor oil and filter
• How to perform a car safety inspection
• How to change automatic transmission fluid and filter
• How an engine works

MORE: Engine oil leak questions

Question: 2004 Nissan Maxima mileage: 48,000. Had 1st oil change at 3000 miles. Replaced original oil with 5W-30 Mobil 1. If I continue to use synthetic oil, how often do I need to change my oil?

Answer: We would recommend following the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule.

Question: 2004 Toyota Solara I4 Hardtop mileage: 55,000. I went to a 10-minute oil lube shop and after driving home the oil filter popped off. I immediately pulled off the road and shut the engine off as the oil went all over and smoke poured out. I had it towed to the Toyota dealership and they put a new filter, oil back in, and started it up. The technician said that the motor sounded good but that didn't mean that it wasn't damaged. Besides scoring the main bearings and also the camshaft / crankshaft bearings, what else could this have damaged? Any chance of damaging the oil pump or oil pressure sending unit? I've heard that Toyota's lubrication system is excellent and these parts are usually lubricated well. I am prepared for the worst but amuse me if possible.

Answer: Since you shut it off immediately, you should be ok (good job). Rod bearings fail first do to lack of oil, the rest follows in no particular order.

Question: 2003 Saab 9-3 mileage: 37,000. My Saab has light brown foam in the top of the oil dipstick area. I had the oil changed a few weeks ago and the mechanic said he could find no water in the bottom part (that he drained). Could this be a ventilation problem? The car is not overheating at all and I do not notice any mist or steam coming out of the exhaust. Any advice?

Answer:   Light brown foam (bubbles) on the dipstick is normal. When the engine is running the oil can get small bubbles at the top of the dipstick. Modern oils have a mild detergent made into them. This helps keep engine running cleaner and helps prevent sludge build up.

Question: 2004 Honda Odyssey mileage: 25,000. Is one oil better than another? Synthetic vs. Petroleum base? I know that carmakers say to change every 7500 miles but I have been a 2500-3000 mile oil changer. Is the 7500-mile new rule for environmental purposes or can the oil withstand the pressures longer.

Answer: Synthetic oils do have a longer life than the petroleum based motor oils. If you change your oil every 3000 miles, you probably will not get any benefit out of the higher priced synthetic oil.

Question: 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Diesel mileage: 30,000.  My truck used oil when new and continued to after I thought it should be broke in. The first oil I used was CASE-I.H.  I used it because they offer similar Cummins engines in their equipment.  I am now using 100% pure paraffin base from Central Petroleum Company.   It seems to use less oil and the oil seems to stay clean looking longer.  I have recently been told by people at Dodge not to use paraffin base oil in this motor.  What do you think?               

Answer: All motor oils have S.A.E. ratings.  Check with your owner’s manual for the rating that is required for your car.

Question: 1999 Mitsubishi Expo mileage: 112,000. For over four years I have had a problem with excessive oil consumption. Dealerships I consulted in both Colorado and Oregon either had not suggestion on how to solve the problem or did unnecessary work (valve cover gasket and engine seal replacement), which did nothing to solve the problem.   Just recently, I took the car to an independent garage.  They found that the engine compression was normal and that a drip down test proved inconclusive.  However, they suggested that the oil rings might be at fault.   So I had them replace the oil rings and do a ring job together with all the had and valve work that such a job requires.  The result is that my oil consumption has gone from one quart for every 150 miles to one quart for every 450 miles.  This is an improvement.  However, it still seems excessive to me.  Is there anything you can suggest?  Thank you.

Answer: Check the auxiliary valves in the cylinder head (the third valve).  The seals on the housing may be leaking allowing oil into the cylinders.

Question: 2001 Acura Integra  mileage: 74,500.   You may think this question is silly but I've learned there isn't such a thing. I'm wondering what's the best oil (and weight) to use.  I average 80 mph on the highways (to and from work).  It can get very hot here in Georgia in the summers and I want my engine to have the best protection.  Your suggestion/advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Your owner’s manual will give you the answer you need. The oil weight varies from vehicle to vehicle and from operating temperature range.  In other words, if you live in Alaska, your oil weight will differ from someone who lives in Georgia. Any of the major oil companies have good quality oil.

Question: 1997 Toyota RAV4 mileage: 27,000 Dear Bob and Ken, You may not be familiar with the Toyota because it is an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV).  Anyway, I would like to know your comment about MOTOR-UP, a no-oil-change engine treatment.  I saw this product in a TV commercial, but after buying a bottle, I become very hesitant to use it.  This product claims to penetrate metal parts in the engine in order to reduce wear and tear.   There are no “U.S. Product Standard” markings in the product and this makes me doubt the veracity of its claim.  Do you recommend using Motor-Up?  I thank you for any advice that you can give me.  Yours truly, Albert

Answer: We have found in the past, that it is a good practice to change your motor oil and filter at the manufacturers recommended intervals.  This also keeps your vehicle warranty valid.

Question:   1993 Toyota Celica mileage: 125,000.  I am dealing with a claim in my business of 16 years. A customer is telling me that we did not put in any oil, while doing a 17-point service oil change.  The customer drove exactly 400 miles and 1 week with no oil, allegedly.  I know this is not possible.  Do you have any helpful information I can use to prove I am correct?

Answer: If there were no oil in the motor when it left your shop, the car would not have gone 400 miles.  In fact, the customer would have been lucky to get a mile or two.  If there is no oil in the motor, the rod bearings will not be lubricated and cooled.   Therefore, the soft bearing material overheats and melts causing the rod bearing to fail.

Question: 1999 Ford F150 4 WD mileage: 93,456.  My pickup has a problem.  When I pull the oil stick out it has water in it but I don't seem to be losing any coolant.  I also have a creamy oily substance in where the breather filter is.  The truck has good power and starts right up.  What could be wrong?

Answer:    Check your intake manifold gaskets and head gaskets, one or both may have failed.

Question: 2003 Dodge Neon mileage: 38,500. My oil light comes on on/off while driving more on than off.  This has been going on for about 2 weeks.  I'm also getting white smoke out of my exhaust pipes.  I was told it could be a blown head gasket.  Do you think so?  And, is it safe for me to be driving my car?  I am going to be getting it fixed.  But, I wondered what you thought?

Answer:   The oil warning light indicates no oil pressure to the engine.  Continuing to drive a car in this condition can result in serious engine damage.  The white smoke out the exhaust pipe is probably caused by a blown head gasket.

Question:   2004 Mazda Tribute mileage: 45,000.  Purchased used for my son about 14 months ago.  Had services performed by independent shop specializing in Japanese cars.  Have had oil changed every 4 - 5,000 miles.  Valve cover gasket replaced 6 months ago.  Car seems to use about 2 quarts of oil between oil changes.  Had car check by Mazda dealer -- found no leaks -- no apparent reason for oil usage.  Have not noticed any blue smoke or smell from car.  Dealer offers no advice.  Have you any idea what is happening to the oil and should I be worried about engine damage?

Answer:   We have found similar problems with other cars.  Replacing the valve stem seals reduces the oil use. They are made out of rubber and over time become hard and brittle and no longer seal.

Question: 2001 Volkswagen Jetta mileage: 38,000.  I have a new Volkswagen Jetta and it uses a quart of oil every 800 or 900 miles. The dealer tells me this is normal and I know he is not telling me the truth.  They have already replaced the rack and pinion steering and I hate the thought that I now own a lemon.  Your advice on oil consumption would be greatly appreciated.  Right now, if I take a 3000-mile trip without checking the oil I have burned up my new car.

Answer:  You have a four-cylinder engine and it is not normal to use the amount of oil you describe.  We are sorry to hear you are getting the run-a-round with your car repairs.

Question:  1987 Mazda B2600 truck mileage: 84,000.  Do you know what the oil capacity of the 2.6L engine is.  

Answer: Try refilling with 5 quarts and check the dipstick.

Question:   1996 F-150 4x4 mileage: 125,000.  My owner's manual refers to hypoid oil for the rear end.  What is hypoid oil?

Answer: It is gear oil with an anti-scuff additive required for hypoid (offset) style ring and pinion gears.

MORE: Engine oil leak questions

Repair Topics / Engine Oil Leaks-1 / Engine Oil Leaks-2

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