Need Help!!! Oil Leak
kahuna123_2000
03-18-2004, 07:34 AM
1996 Dodge Caravan, Have an oil leak coming from the area of the exhaust and block. Cannot see it but know its coming from that area. To make matters worst, I Changed valve cover gasket and noticed not signs of a leak any where around the cover and accidentlly snapped the number #1 a bolt. Now I gotta take off the cover again and hopefully take that bolt out. However that does not solve my oil leak. Is there anyone out there that may have an idea where this leak may be comming from? Also there is no power lose or smoke coming from exhaust so I know its not in the combustion area. The leak is above the head gasket so it couldnt be that. Well this one has me stumped. Is there any experienced mechanic out there? Anyone?
TSG77
03-18-2005, 10:43 AM
Kahuna123, I am pursuing the same type of problem on a '99 3.3 Ltr Caravan w/ 80k miles. Oil is "flowing" from somewhere high up on the engine; but from where, no se. Said oil flow started suddenly several weeks ago. There appears to be a slight ooze coming from each valve cover w/ accumulated build up around the exhaust manifolds. But that's not the source of the oil dripping from the passenger side undercarrage. I suspect the oil source is in the area of the galley under the intake manifold, but I can't see it. I considered replacing the valve cover gaskets, but it looks like an involved procedure (even w/o the broken bolt) and didn't appear to be the source of my leak.
Since making your initial post, if you've isolated your leak's source, please tell me what you found. If I get there first, I'll reciprocate.
Mike
Since making your initial post, if you've isolated your leak's source, please tell me what you found. If I get there first, I'll reciprocate.
Mike
bleepster
03-18-2005, 02:53 PM
i had a '96 3.0. my leak was from the cam shaft seal. located on the passager side 1/2 up the engine. only visible on a hoiste with a flashlight
evictor
03-19-2005, 04:22 PM
This may sound crazy but I heared about this from a radio car show and it cured a friends car. Check your PCV value. Make sure you instal OEM and not one the the universal styles. The pressure under the valve covers was actually causing the leak.
It is cheap, easy and worth a try.
It is cheap, easy and worth a try.
yoji6365
03-28-2005, 01:07 AM
This may sound crazy but I heared about this from a radio car show and it cured a friends car. Check your PCV value. Make sure you instal OEM and not one the the universal styles. The pressure under the valve covers was actually causing the leak.
It is cheap, easy and worth a try.
no joke. I changed it out on my other car and the oil leak went away.
I didnt notice it at first but when I realized that burning oil was missing, I checked the dipstick to make sure I had some oil in there. Still couldnt figure what would cause the oil to stop leaking.
Sure enough I think it was the PCV valve since the thing was nasty and it probably hasnt been changed in awhile.
It should be changed often since it only costs a few bucks. Every oil change wouldnt be a bad idea.
It is cheap, easy and worth a try.
no joke. I changed it out on my other car and the oil leak went away.
I didnt notice it at first but when I realized that burning oil was missing, I checked the dipstick to make sure I had some oil in there. Still couldnt figure what would cause the oil to stop leaking.
Sure enough I think it was the PCV valve since the thing was nasty and it probably hasnt been changed in awhile.
It should be changed often since it only costs a few bucks. Every oil change wouldnt be a bad idea.
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