1994 Geo Prizm Losing Oil

GMC
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ACOOP98BLACKCAT
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a 94 Geo Prizm. I recently had a complete valve job done on it along with replacing all the gaskets and the timing belt. Now it seems to be losing oil somewhere. I put a piece of cardboard under the car to see if it was leaking anywhere but to no avail. HELP ME!!!
Jan 30, 2006 at 12:30 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sometimes when you do a valve job on a high mileage engine it will pull oil past the rings
Jan 31, 2006 at 9:11 AM
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ACOOP98BLACKCAT
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  • 3 POSTS
Does this mean it probably needs rings too. Is there any way to tell without pulling the whole motor apart.
Jan 31, 2006 at 11:03 PM
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CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
compression test if the needle does not climb steadily, or it bounces around that could be the reason.
Feb 2, 2006 at 3:48 AM
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Suggested Repair

Perform a compression test. If the gauge needle does not climb steadily or bounces, worn rings may be allowing oil to be pulled past them after the valve job and may need replacement if confirmed.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 Geo Prizm reports oil loss after a valve job, gasket replacement, and timing belt service, with no external leak found under the car. Experts say a high-mileage engine can pull oil past the rings after a valve job and recommend a compression test, noting that an unsteady or bouncing reading can indicate ring problems.

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