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Oil found on my driveway, looked at the engine block, some oil appears to be leaking from the front of the engine, dripping down. Maybe a few drops a day. What should I expect for repair costs? Is this a head gasket, or some other engine gasket deterioration? 2000 Sentra GXE, only about 68,000 miles, not that old. What causes this? Just age and wear and tear, or cooling system problem? Pistons firing out of sequence causing undue heat and pressure?
Anyone else with this problem? Bet to let a shop look at it and give me an estimate? I shudder at the repair costs right now.
I noticed the oil about a month ago, just had it in for an oil change this past weekend, they pointed out the front of the engine, said most likely a valve cover gasket, looked like it was between the top and bottom halves of the engine. Just started reading about it, maybe more than I want/can to do myself. Am thinking that's what it might be, as the oil is pretty noticeable along the front edge of the engine, they didn't see anything with the oil filter or anything down below. Said to have it checked out, cleaned, diagnosed. Wondered if that was accurate? Is a few drops a day a worry or par for the course? Valve cover gasket or could it be head gasket, or just not sure until you get it looked at and looked in to diagnose the problem. My question also is why with so low mileage? Deeper problems than just what i can see?I noticed the oil about a month ago, just had it in for an oil change this past weekend, they pointed out the front of the engine, said most likely a valve cover gasket, looked like it was between the top and bottom halves of the engine. Just started reading about it, maybe more than I want/can to do myself. Am thinking that's what it might be, as the oil is pretty noticeable along the front edge of the engine, they didn't see anything with the oil filter or anything down below. Said to have it checked out, cleaned, diagnosed. Wondered if that was accurate? Is a few drops a day a worry or par for the course? Valve cover gasket or could it be head gasket, or just not sure until you get it looked at and looked in to diagnose the problem. My question also is why with so low mileage? Deeper problems than just what i can see?
Could be some thing as simple as a leaking filter, drain plug, or oil pressure sending unit. If it hasn't been in for an oil change lately, take it in, mention you have seen drops on the driveway, the tech will likely note the leak and possible solution. From this you can determine the cause and cost.
Age will have as much to do with these things as mileage,Gaskets can break down from age and heat more so than mileage. Head gasket would give you performance issues as well as oil and coolant clues. If it is a valve cover gasket, it is possible it is shrinking a little, making the valve cover loose. If it is readilyaccessible check the bolts/nuts holding down the cover. you may find them loose. They should be snug but be careful not to over tighten them. If this corrects you problem, it could return in the future as it is a sign the gasket is getting old and tired.Age will have as much to do with these things as mileage,Gaskets can break down from age and heat more so than mileage. Head gasket would give you performance issues as well as oil and coolant clues. If it is a valve cover gasket, it is possible it is shrinking a little, making the valve cover loose. If it is readilyaccessible check the bolts/nuts holding down the cover. you may find them loose. They should be snug but be careful not to over tighten them. If this corrects you problem, it could return in the future as it is a sign the gasket is getting old and tired.
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Take a look under the hood in the dark .You will see if it shorting out by the blue flashes I think oil leaking is the problem Also the oil breathing dystem may be blocked.
Have the engine steam cleaned (watch any electronics) Run the engine & start looking from the top, down. It may be a bad valve cover leak from the rear of the cover or ck the front & rear seals. (cracked head, block etc. It could be many places
Dear Sir, Here is the oil leaking Problem Identifying Technique
Engine oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are common.
The intake manifold plenum gasket may leak and cause increased oil consumption/burning and a spark knock during acceleration; the gasket should be replaced.
External oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, intake gaskets (front or rear), and the rear crankshaft (rear main) seal area are common. The rear main seal is an unlikely source. Normally, the bearing cap mating surfaces (as well as the sealing surface between the oil pan and bearing cap) are the source for the leaks.
If the oil filter casing shows signs of distortion from excessive oil pressure, theoil pump should be replaced.
Often misdiagnosed as a leaking oil filter gasket, the oil filter adapter can seep from between the adapter and engine block.
Carbon buildup on the top of the piston is common. As the buildup increases with mileage and over time, symptoms may vary from light ticking, to ticking/hammering, to hammering/knocking noises. Fuel injector cleaner often solves the problem.
First you need to identify what's leaking? What color is fluid? Green, Red, Brown? and where under car is fluid leaking from center, front rt, etc... Another option is check ALL fluid levels - coolant, oil, power steering, transmission.
This is not an easy repair in your driveway, but can be done. 1st thing, have you checked to see if the oil filter is the issue or is it the drain plug? If its the oil filter housing gasket, you will need to remove the filter. The housing is held in place by the threaded bolt assy that the filter screws onto. You will need to remove that bolt, remove the coolant hoses. Clean the engine block surfaces, for the new gasket to mate to, clean the cooling housing surfaces, install the bolt through the housing, and install the gasket onto it. Then install the bolt/housing into the block and tighten the bolt. Install the coolant hoses, oil filter. Fill the cooling system with the coolant that you removed. Fill the engine with oil, start and check for leaks.
Replace the Sensor. You should not need to Change the Oil unless it needs it. Just tighten Finger Tight and 1/2 Turn with Wrench too assure no Leaks occur.
If it's leaking at the top of the engine down. Look at the top of the engine at the front and you'll see a bleeder valve on top a black housing. These housings like to come apart at the glued seams. If it's leaking at the lower part of the engine towards the front, it could be your water pump leaking. Check your oil and if you see the color of the oil looking like chocolate milk, your water pump needs replaced, the oil will need changing as well. Do a coolant system pressure test and see if your hoses somewhere are leaking. Also check for your surge tank leaking. This is the tank that you put coolant into.
I noticed the oil about a month ago, just had it in for an oil change this past weekend, they pointed out the front of the engine, said most likely a valve cover gasket, looked like it was between the top and bottom halves of the engine. Just started reading about it, maybe more than I want/can to do myself. Am thinking that's what it might be, as the oil is pretty noticeable along the front edge of the engine, they didn't see anything with the oil filter or anything down below. Said to have it checked out, cleaned, diagnosed. Wondered if that was accurate? Is a few drops a day a worry or par for the course? Valve cover gasket or could it be head gasket, or just not sure until you get it looked at and looked in to diagnose the problem. My question also is why with so low mileage? Deeper problems than just what i can see?
Thanks for the good information, you have helped a great deal.
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