Enviromental Hazard

[beyeker]

I have an oil leak of epic proportions (190 2.3, 1992). On a recent road trip I went through a quart of oil before going through a tank of gas. When I look under the hood I don't see the source and I haven't been able to get underneath to get a good look around. I know I am not burning the oil. I can see all the oil on the underside of the car and it drips after being driven and while running. It doesn't drip when not running. I also seem to have fine oil pressure and there has never been a reduction in power or suspicious noises.

I plan on getting underneath to find the source. Does any one have a clue as to a likely problem or source of the leak? I am hoping this can be a home project as I can do most stuff but a little hint would be great.

Problem number 2:
My speedometer only works part time since the previous big trip that only my wife took. I only need to know where the connections are for the speedo cable. (I know it might be a simple thing to locate but I just haven't looked yet and a hint would be well appreciated.)

Thanks for all your help.

[Stan Pittman]

Check the oil filter, oil pressure sending unit, valve cover, and the rear of the head where the head and block join. As for the speedometer the cable connects to the rear of the transmission on drivers side (10MM) and you have to remove the instrument cluster to get to the other end. It just screws off.

[Jim Anderson]

Look under the back of the car on forward surfaces, if you're leaking oil it would show there. And how do you know you're not burning it, you can burn a lot of oil before it starts to smoke.

[beyeker]

Thanks for the tips. I know it is leaking out because I can see it drip. And yes there is quite a lot of oil on the underside of the car, front to back. It leaks so much it comes underneath and catches the air and coats the back of the car so that if you open the trunk you get oil on the hands.

I looked underneath yesterday and couldn't pin point the source exactly but it was below the oil filter bracket and above the starter. Will look more when I have the time to move some things around.

[Ken300D]

I consider the moderate leak in my 300D to be a good method of underbody rust prevention.

[Jim Anderson]

Will also reduce tail-gaters

[Lebenz]

Get a section or more of paper/cardboard, put it under the car and let the car idle for several minutes and then back the car off. Where the biggest concentration of oil is or are to be found will be right around, or below where the leak is or leaks are.

Good luck


Regards

[beyeker]

Had the chance to clean the engine compartment out and warmed the car up. got underneath the car and had it started. Instantly oil started seeping from around where the oil pressure sending unit attaches. Turns out it wasn't even finger tight.

I got lucky that it was such an easy fix. I haven't lost any oil since that fix and it has been through 6 hours of highway driving. That would have required close to 3 quarts of oil under the previous configuration.

My next question would be: how likely is it that such a part became loose spontaneously? I did have some guys under the hood updating the AC suspiciously close to the begining of the problem.

[Jim Anderson]

You're lucky it didn't fall out, it would have been like cutting an artery.