legacycentral bbs

What is the most common cause for an oil leak on our cars? The woman is on a rode trip and says she thinks she broke some kinda seal because now it is leaking oil and it never did before.

Thanks, Joe

Valve covers, cam covers.

Steve

She seemed to think it is coming out the bottom of the engine somewhere.

Thanks,Joe

Pools of oil or drips ???

Have her stop at a Jiffy Lube or equivalent. They can check for a loose oil drain plug, loose filter, and also the possibility that there are two filter seals (a common f-up at oil change joints, causing oil to gush out periodically, then stop). They can also report how much oil is left, and fill it back up all for $20 or so. Don't let them do anything else. It should rule out the engine-killers if there is a reasonable amount of oil left, in which case she can soldier on with a full crankcase until you can take care of it later.