2003 Pontiac Sunfire engine leak

SJENKINSJR

MEMBER
2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I was changing an alternator, disconnected the air intake resonator and when I went to lift the car up I notice oil everywhere. Don't know if it was there before, I clean it up took the serpentine belt off, alternator out and install the new one. I put everything back together and took it for a drive. The car is definitely leaking oil and engine is making a rattling noise and a soft hissing when gas is pressed. Is there any process during changing the alternator that could of cause an oil leak.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

No, changing the alt wouldn't cause an oil leak. Can you tell aprox where it is coming from? Is the oil high on the engine or only down low?

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Wednesday, February 26th, 2014 AT 5:25 AM

SJENKINSJR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

From what I can see, seems to be mid engine, small leak near the manifold and a rear leak near a plug or bolt that seems to have some sort of broken up blue seal. There might be something below but I can't see anything leaking there. The car definitely got loader then it was before and has a vibration when breaking but I don't believe the break pads are bad. I tried telling her she finally needs a professional mechanic to look at it but the point I guess is not getting across due to money but if there are broken engine seals at some point the engine is going to seize and that is what I am worried about.

I am no mechanic, just a semi-dyi trying to learn but I know when there is a major problem that needs attention A.S.A.P.

Thanks,
Sal