Hello everyone...
First I have searched and read (and read), but just want some opinions before I give up and go to the dealership.
Monday I noticed a very slight burning oil smell when I got home (40 min commute), I didn't think much of it, as it could have been something I ran over in a puddle, etc.
Tuesday when I got to work I noticed the smell again, same thing that night, etc. Fast forward to yesterday (Thursday) I went to lunch, a 10 min drive down the freeway, and by the time I got back the smell was VERY strong. I work accross the street from a quick lube place (which btw is better than most) and they had changed my oil last time since I didn't have time. I assumed the drainplug or filter were leaking and I wanted them to just tighten it up or whatever. Before I went over I checked the oil level when the car was cold. The level was halfway between the dots. (BTW, how much is that down? 1Qt?) BTW the car has 135K miles on it and had 4,000 miles on the most recent oil change. It has never used oil any of the times that I have changed it myself (most of the time). I run 5,000 miles on synthetic blend Valvoline between oil changes.
They called me downstairs to look at the bottom of the engine (I told you they were better than most) and showed me that there was a leak coming from the engine on the driver's side rear of the engine and it was running down the engine block and dripping onto the steering rack and then down right on top of the exhaust. That explains why there never was an oil spot on the garage floor in the morning. The whole CV boot was wet with oil. I also checked the power steering fluid to make sure that isn't what it is. That was fine.
So the question is (finally), is it most likely an external Head Gasket leak or a valve cover leak? I can't see up in the engine bay real clearly to see exactly where it is dripping from. Opinions?
Thanks in advance!
Mike
PS as a side note, there has very occasionally been the SLIGHTEST antifreeze smell from under the hood after long trips (2+ hours non-stop), but I have never seen a leak and the level has not noticably changed between coolent changes.
First I have searched and read (and read), but just want some opinions before I give up and go to the dealership.
Monday I noticed a very slight burning oil smell when I got home (40 min commute), I didn't think much of it, as it could have been something I ran over in a puddle, etc.
Tuesday when I got to work I noticed the smell again, same thing that night, etc. Fast forward to yesterday (Thursday) I went to lunch, a 10 min drive down the freeway, and by the time I got back the smell was VERY strong. I work accross the street from a quick lube place (which btw is better than most) and they had changed my oil last time since I didn't have time. I assumed the drainplug or filter were leaking and I wanted them to just tighten it up or whatever. Before I went over I checked the oil level when the car was cold. The level was halfway between the dots. (BTW, how much is that down? 1Qt?) BTW the car has 135K miles on it and had 4,000 miles on the most recent oil change. It has never used oil any of the times that I have changed it myself (most of the time). I run 5,000 miles on synthetic blend Valvoline between oil changes.
They called me downstairs to look at the bottom of the engine (I told you they were better than most) and showed me that there was a leak coming from the engine on the driver's side rear of the engine and it was running down the engine block and dripping onto the steering rack and then down right on top of the exhaust. That explains why there never was an oil spot on the garage floor in the morning. The whole CV boot was wet with oil. I also checked the power steering fluid to make sure that isn't what it is. That was fine.
So the question is (finally), is it most likely an external Head Gasket leak or a valve cover leak? I can't see up in the engine bay real clearly to see exactly where it is dripping from. Opinions?
Thanks in advance!
Mike
PS as a side note, there has very occasionally been the SLIGHTEST antifreeze smell from under the hood after long trips (2+ hours non-stop), but I have never seen a leak and the level has not noticably changed between coolent changes.
