Oil leak?

TORIAANN3

MEMBER
2007 NISSAN ALTIMA
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
150,000 MILES

So, I have a major oil leak, like so major that it seems almost like when I put oil in it pours right back out. I've completed an oil change, a new oil filter, new oil sending sensor, a new valve cover, with a new gasket. I'm at a loss. I can't seem to locate the leak. Don't judge me but I was adding oil before all of this, and I forgot to put my cap back on. And that is when all of these problems came about. Any help would be great.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I wouldn't judge you. LOL I've done it myself.

The idea that the cap was left off shouldn't have caused something to leak. It could have leaked from where the cap should have been, but it didn't damage anything.

So, have you tried cleaning the engine off and then driving it to see if you can tell an approximate location? Are there parts of the engine that are wetter than others?

Also, with the engine off, does it leak when you add oil? Is there any blue smoke coming from the exhaust? Do you have a puddle under the vehicle where it sits? How fast do you lose a quart of oil? Let me know as much as you can.

Let me know. Additionally, here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If possible, take a few pics of areas that may be suspected and upload them for me to see.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, December 15th, 2022 AT 8:39 PM

TORIAANN3

MEMBER
3 POSTS

1. Yes, I've cleaned off the engine.
2. But it's pretty bad up under there. So, it's hard to see up under there where anything and everything is caked with oil and dirt.
3. It's depending on if it's hot or cold on If it leaks when I put oil it.
4. No blue smoke.
5. Yes there is puddle how big depends on how long I've sat.
6. I lose 2 quarts in about a seven-mile drive.
7. There was oil in all but one cylinder.
8. Smokes from under the hood but I thought it was from burning the oil off.
9. When I let off the gas is when the oil light starts flashing at me.
10. I will take pics tomorrow. It's all kinds of wet, cold, and dark out there.
This all just came on all of a sudden. I think I'm going to try the dye thing tomorrow. Oh, also after changing out the gasket today it now wants to try and shut off on you.

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Thursday, December 15th, 2022 AT 11:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Wow, two quarts in seven miles is a lot. Are you certain the oil filter is tight, and someone didn't leave two gaskets on it? That will cause a large leak. There really isn't much that can leak that much without being broken or disconnected.

One other question. Was there any engine noise from the engine prior to this starting? Also, if you can, recheck the oil filter to make sure it wasn't double-gasketed. What can happen is this. When the old filter is removed, the rubber o-ring where the oil filter meets the filter housing can stick to the engine. The new filter has a new gasket, and if you don't remove the first one, it will leak really badly.

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, December 16th, 2022 AT 8:51 PM