2004 Rendezvous has developed an oil leak that I can't find the source of. Just had it in for 100,000 mile service, and mechanics did not notice. It is not near the filter nor the "usual spots" affected when getting an oil change, but somewhere else on engine - suggestions?

It can be difficult to determine the source of an oil leak, especially if the valve cover has already been replaced. Here are some common causes of oil leaks in vehicles:

1. Engine gasket leaks: Engine gaskets can leak oil, causing oil to seep out onto the engine and surrounding components.
2. Engine oil seals: Engine oil seals can become worn or damaged, causing oil to leak from the engine.
3. Engine oil cooler: Engine oil coolers can develop leaks, causing oil to leak out of the engine and onto the manifold.
4. Engine oil pan: Engine oil pans can develop leaks, causing oil to leak out of the engine and onto the ground.
5. Engine oil filter: Engine oil filters can develop leaks, causing oil to leak out of the engine and onto the manifold.

If you are unable to locate the source of the oil leak, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle

some cars need to be clare by a good mechanic because need read information on book service

The creek? Sure sounds like it. Have a mechanic listen to the knocking. Rod bearings or crank main bearings may have gone out.

It's probably OK to drive. I imagine they failed to get the oil filter properly seated and you're getting a little leak there. DO BE SURE to check the oil level before you drive it and add if necessary.

If you can baby the engine, you may get another 100,000 out of it. 200,000 is high but it's a great engine and I have seen many exceed 300,000.

You may try getting an extra 1 half to 1 full turn, ( clockwise ), on your oil filter. Because most filters these days are designed for hand tightening, ( so you don't need an oil filter wrench ), and often when the filter is changed, like durring an oil change service, the person/mechanic has grime on his hands and lacks the grip to get it tight enough to get a good seal.

If you try that, and still have leaking and can't verify the source, you may consider using an oil stop leak product. I have used these products a number of times in the past and was well satisfied with the results. If your leak is relatively small, these products would likelystop your leak.
Also, you would need to add the stop leak product with each oil change.

I hope this helps you.

as a mechanic I will say it can be multi things that can cause a leak. but when you say it goes away on slight incline that normaly means it is toward the front of the engine. I must say just because their is low miles does not mean a seal will not go out. I have replaced seals on cars with only 10,000. It is normaly caused from vibration or misplacment of seal. If you look under the car look for a wet spot on the engine or its components then email me back and I may be able to help you narrow it down. I would not freak out to bad though monte carlos are easy to work on and should not cost much to fix it.

well you would need a full brake service$120.00, transmission flush$150.00, oil change/tire rotation$30.00, fuel injector cleaning$50.00. That would be a 100,000 mile service some dealers have deals if you do it all at once i would say about anywhere from $300.00-$400.00.

This is Toyota's scheduled maintenance for the RAV4 at 100,000 miles...

Replace engine oil and oil filter 1
Rotate tires
Replace engine coolant 2
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Applicable Footnotes:
1) Reset the oil replacement reminder (“MAINT REQD”) light after replacing engine oil, if vehicle is equipped with this light.
2) Initial replacement at 100,000 miles/120 months. Replace every 50,000 miles/60 months thereafter. Refer to "Engine Coolant" in the "Explanation of Maintenance Items" section in the back of this guide for more information.

Service your cooling system every 5 years or 150,000 miles. The GM Dex Cool has a life of 5 years or 150,000 miles which ever comes first. Replace the thermostat also and buy the fail safe thermostat, it cost a bit more but worth it.

Service the engine (spark plugs and wire) every 100,000 miles or till engine management prompt attention. (service engine light DTC code)

Service the transmission every 3 years or 60,000 miles, replace the transmission oil and filter. Transfer case fluid and differential fluid.

Service the engine oil and filter every 6 months or 3,000 miles. Lube Chassis

Service the air filter and cabin air filter, wiper blades every 15,000 miles or once a year.

If you don't have an owner manual, you should get one, it lists the recommended service (although it is incomplete). Besides the typical things (oil change, check air filter, check break pads/drums, grease wear points) you should change the break fluid if it hasn't been done, flush/fill replace coolant (use 100,000 mile replacement fluid), possibly change transmission fluid, definitely replace the serpentine belt if it hasn't been done yet, and optionally replace power steering belt. You should also change the PCV valve, clean the throttle body and mass airflow sensor, and replace the spark plugs.
Some people would replace the water pump, but I would not personally replace it unless you notice a problem (such as leaks or noises) or your mechanic is willing to do it on the cheap (its a very difficult job to do yourself).
Most of these things are not difficult jobs and can be done on your own very inexpensively.