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1997 Chevy Cavalier 112000 miles

Tiny
CAVY QUESTION
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
I noticed a small oil leak (one drop) under the car. Im worried that it might be something big, how do I tell if its the head gasket. If its not how do I tell what it is.
Sunday, January 7th, 2007 AT 8:01 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Easy, don't get you shorts in a knot over one drip. :Lol:

Keep this in mind, one wet spot on bottom may be running down from a higher source.

First, where is it in relation to the front wheels, the front of the car. I need to know a respectable description of the location. For starters.

When was the last oil change?
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Sunday, January 7th, 2007 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
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From an above view of the engin the leak is I think about 8 inches to the left of the dip stick, probely just ahead of the wheels. There is a drop under it every time its parked in a different spot. Im not currently driving the car because I have to finnish paying it off first.
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Sunday, January 7th, 2007 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
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What is the 8th digit of the vin.
What motor does it have?
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Sunday, January 7th, 2007 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
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It has the 2.2 liter four cylinder standard motor, nothing special. Is it possible that its the oil pan?
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Sunday, January 7th, 2007 AT 11:08 PM
Tiny
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Of course it could be. IT could be a loose filter, a oil drain plug or it's gasket, or any other gasket. Again reflect back on what I said earlier:

Keep this in mind, one wet spot on bottom may be running down from a higher source.

On the top of the motor is a valve cover and It's gasket, check around that. Below that is the Cylinder head that concerned you, check all the way around that. Work your way down until you have the suspicious areas noted. Then take a can of brake clean and a rag and clean the suspicious areas if you don't think you're sure of the leak. Then run the engine and see if anything appears. Also check to make sure there is good vacuum at your pcv valve.
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Monday, January 8th, 2007 AT 5:26 AM
Tiny
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Pvc valve?
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Monday, January 8th, 2007 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
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I know, what does that have to do with the price of bannanas??

If the pcv system is restriced it will create additional pressure and possibly cause leaks.
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Monday, January 8th, 2007 AT 6:07 PM

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