Oil leak after having the oil change?

Hi,

I need you to confirm the model year. The Avenger wasn't offered in 2006.

Also, I have a few questions. If you open the hood and start the engine, does it spray as if it is under pressure, or does it seem there is a leak from the drain plug that is forced back by air pressure while driving?

Not knowing the model year, here is what I would suggest. Note the pics are for a 2008.

First, confirm the oil drain plug under the engine and on the oil pan is tight and not leaking. If that appears good, check the oil filter to make sure it's tight. If it is, wipe it off clean. Make sure there is oil in the engine, start the engine for a couple of seconds, and turn it off. Check around the oil filter again to see if there is new oil on it.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below for 2008 filter and drain plug locations.

Hi,

Thanks for the update. I checked the 2010 and it's the same as the 2008.

If this just happened when the oil was changed, that doesn't make sense. When you say in the rear of the engine there appears to be something missing at the rear of the engine, how large is the opening? How much oil was lost?

If the leak only happens when the engine is running, the oil is likely under pressure. What can happen is this. On the oil filter where it attaches to the engine is a large rubber O-ring. If you look at the pic below, I circled it. In the picture the o-ring is red. In most cases, they are black.

When removing the old oil filter, that o-ring can stick to the engine and the person doing the work doesn't realize it. When they install the new filter, it already has the new o-ring on it. As a result, you have two o-rings rather than one. This always leads to a large leak when the engine is running. I have a feeling that is what happened. The only way to confirm is to remove the oil filter.

If you can do that, let me know. Also, if there is any way you can get a pic of the opening in the rear of the engine that appears to have something missing, please upload it for me to see.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

That is normal. That is a heat shield, and nothing is to go there. As far as the leak, have you had any luck locating it?

Joe

Hi,

Wow! That happened right after the oil change? If you don't mind my asking, how was the head gasket determined to be the cause? I ask because that doesn't happen after an oil change. Well, I guess anything is possible, but this is very unlikely.

Let me know. Also, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Joe

Hi,

Okay, but if anything changes or if you want to confirm it, let me know. If you suspect the head gasket is the issue, we would need to do a compression test to confirm.

Here is a link explaining how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care and I wish you a great New Year!

Joe