Oil leak

Tiny
ASHLEY EVERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
I change my starter a couple of weeks ago everything was fine. Yesterday my oil light came on added three quarts made a weird noise when I started it back up drove fine home went to town last night was leaking a lot of oil and now there is no oil in it. Any ideas on where it might be leaking or what the problem may be?
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 AT 5:28 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
You probably are going to have bigger problems than an oil leak now. You ran it out of oil and the engine is making a noise. That is a very bad sign. Have it town to a reputable shop for inspection and diagnosis to find out what you are dealing with.
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
ASHLEY EVERSON
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  • 4 POSTS
It had oil in it when I drove it. It leaked out today while it sat at my house.
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
ASHLEY EVERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
And it only made a noise when I started it after I put oil in it.
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
A couple of easy to look for possibilities

1) Oil filter loose/ or the previous old filter's rubber gasket was left on the engine (now there is two with the new filter) I have seen them a time or two not leak right off the bat, but the old rubber would squish out later and cause massive leaking

2) Maybe your oil pressure sending unit is leaking (where the plastic part is mashed into the outer metal housing. I am giving you a link as to what it looks like.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/wells-vehicle-electronics-oil-pressure-switch-ps152/10300739-P

The only way you will see this is to find the two items I have mentioned, is to fill your oil to the proper level, fire up your vehicle and look for the leaking.

If it is not at either place, you are going have to use a flashlight and look for the leak, wherever it is.

As far as your noise, I have no clue from listening to it from here.

You need someone local to access that.

If it is making the noise when you fire it up, cut it off to prevent further damage.

Again, the local guy needs to look/ listen at it.

Running an engine with no oil is not a good thing at all! (bad destructive things happening in an un-lubricated engine will make awful noises!)

Hopefully you you have done no damage.

Keep us posted as to your findings!

The Medic
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
ASHLEY EVERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It only made the noise once and then it seemed to run fine after that. But thanks for the advice as soon as I figure it out I will let you know.
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,185 POSTS
Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Friday, September 16th, 2016 AT 8:40 PM

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