oil leaking

McLovin28 · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:05 am Post Subject: oil leaking

I have a 2000 reg Astra, the oil was low on it the other day so I topped it up, it is about 1/2cm above the max on the dip stick. Now I've started to notice that there is some oil leaking under the car. Is this possibly my doing for filling it too much?

Also on a completely different problem, I cant open my bonnet without someone putting pressure on the bonnet when I pull the level in the car to pop it.

Anyone any advice on any of these problems?

cjard · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:05 pm Post Subject: Re: oil leaking

McLovin28 wrote:

I have a 2000 reg Astra, the oil was low on it the other day so I topped it up, it is about 1/2cm above the max on the dip stick. Now I've started to notice that there is some oil leaking under the car. Is this possibly my doing for filling it too much?

Possibly, but that's a small amount to be above the max. Are you sure it's only 1/2cm after standing on level ground all day?
Removing some oil is a relatively easy process, done cold.. Just unscrew the oil drain plug (with your fingers after you get it loose), let some oil drop out, then put the plug back in. Even if you accidentally drop the plug and dump the entire pan of oil, you caught it in a suitably large container, right? Just pour it back in. If you can find a high kerb you might not even need to jack the car up.. Drain plugs are usually easily accessible

Quote:

Also on a completely different problem, I cant open my bonnet without someone putting pressure on the bonnet when I pull the level in the car to pop it.

Anyone any advice on any of these problems?

Sounds like the catch is worn or not lubricated and the spring that stops the bonnet rattling is pushing the catch pin against the catch assembly too strongly to allow the catch assembly to move. If youre struggling to imagine what I mean, take the key out the ignition then turn the wheel til the steering lock comes on. Now try starting the car: the steering wheel is springing back agaisnt the lock so strongly it is jamming the lock. You have to release the spring pressure by turning the wheel
As for a fix.. lubricate the catch, or replace it.

McLovin28 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:28 pm Post Subject:

Right, I managed to get some cardboard under the engine for a few hours after running it and there is a leak as I found a few drops of oil on it. Its not many but theres a few.

When I check my dip stick its still quite full so the leak is not causing massive oil loss.

I'm just wondering would it be a bad idea to keep topping it up when it gets low (it doesn't seem to be moving much so hopfully not going to happen unexpectedly) or is that a really bad idea?

libby lou lou · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:29 am Post Subject:

Where do you th1nk the o1l 1s com1ng from? between eng n box?, sump? pretty easy to check.

McLovin28 · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:23 am Post Subject:

I'm not 100%, i'll have a look and maybe get a picture posted if I can so yous can get a better picture.

bob-the-builder · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:21 am Post Subject:

If the oil is leaking from around the filter in the engine or the sump underneath your car, then regardless of the last time an oil change was done, I would do it again.

Make sure you fit a new filter and sump ring and when you do fit them, put a little bit of oil on your finger and rub it on the washers to create a seal. Don't over/under tighten them, they should both be hand tight.

Topping up oil might be the easiest option, but it does not solve the issue. And as well as costing money each time to top it up, you are causing an environmental hazard and making a mess under your parked car!

Also if the oil is only a little above your max mark, it shouldn't leak. You are more likely to burn the excess oil unnecessarily, which you would notice by black smoke emitting from the exhaust, mainly under acceleration. Also if you have too much oil, you could prematurely soil and age your spark plugs.