Is my '99 SC1 burning, or leaking oil?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Ken Very Big Liar, Jun 30, 2004.

  1. While driving to a park yesterday I noticed the oil pressure light come on for
    just a second. I got to the park, did my hike and when I started to leave I
    checked the level. Oil wasn't even touching the dipstick from what I could
    tell. I drove it home as long as the oil pressure light stayed off. When I got
    it home I fortunately had some mobil-1 ready cos i was going to do an oil change
    this weekend. I put a quart in and tested the level - not even touching still.
    I went ahead and poured two more quarts in and it was at the top of the full
    level then. 3 quarts. It has been < 6000 miles since I changed the oil (I try
    to do the 3000 mile change but sometimes it goes over). I haven't noticed any
    oil patches on my driveway recently. Today I took the car in to a Jiffy Lube
    and had them examine it. They found nothing and no build-up anywhere to
    indicate it was leaking. They did notice (and I've noticed it too when I've
    been underneath the car) that there is a fine line of oil all around the oil
    pan. So, maybe a gasket needs changing, I don't know.

    I'm going to keep a sharp eye out all week and see what's up. It's never done
    this before but once last year I did tell my dad when i did a change at his
    place that it seems like less oil came out of the pan than what I put in.

    There is no visible smoke of any sort coming out of the tailpipe. My car has
    alway had stellar emissions from the testing facility. I have 129,000 miles on
    this car. I intended to get 300,000. I drive it gingerly to maximize gas
    mileage. I do regular oil changes and have just recently started doing them
    myself so that I can step up and use synthetic stuff and a better quality oil
    filter.

    It's raining here today but as soon as it dries up I'm putting the car on the
    ramps and run it a bit as see if anything comes out. I'd like to hear theories
    or suggestions on where to look for possible leaks. Thanks a bunch.
     
    Ken Very Big Liar, Jun 30, 2004
    #1
  2. Ken Very Big Liar

    Blah blah Guest

    At least Saturns give you an oil light.

    PCV valve maybe. Common oil loss problem with inline engines. (only buy
    oem pcv valves)

    Dont drive without the oil being in the normal operation range on the
    dipstick, start carrying extra fluids in the trunk. Make it a habit of
    checking your fluids weekly and never rely on gages or lights.

    No one does basic automotive care anymore it seems...
     
    Blah blah, Jun 30, 2004
    #2
  3. Ken Very Big Liar

    BANDIT2941 Guest

    Its probably burning it. You're lucky you didn't hurt the engine by letting the
    oil get so low......
     
    BANDIT2941, Jul 1, 2004
    #3
  4. Ken Very Big Liar

    Steve Guest

    <snip>

    You might want to check your coolant to see if any of your oil has gotten
    into it.
     
    Steve, Jul 1, 2004
    #4
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