could this cause any oil leaks in the transmission or engine or gaskets or seals?
2007-02-19 12:01:39 · 12 answers · asked by Laea 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The reason I asked is I brought my 2002 windstar in for a oil change today (its been awhile since I had one done) and they said there was a oil leak in the transmission and one in the engine. I don't want to sound stupid but what can cause this? Does this mean the engine is finished? Please be serious, don't need any "blonde" jokes...They say the part to fix transmission leak is only 86 dollars but labour is 200!! What can cause this problem??
2007-02-19 12:08:13 · update #1
Hi,
Leaks in the engine and transmission are usually caused by the cracking and breaking of the seals and gaskets. If there is too much oil, the pressure will cause the seals and gaskets to burst.
However, in the case of oil being too low, the seals and gaskets can also be damaged due to extreme heat. Oil doesn't just lubricate the parts, it also keeps them cool by absorbing the heat.When the parts spinning inside the engine and transmission get hot and there is no oil to cool the off, the heat quickly spread to other parts, just like electrcity transferring through metal.
As to the damage, if oil level stays low for quite a long time under extreme driving conditions, then yes your engine's inner components will wear out and become damaged. If it was for a short time, say a few months, then it should not be bad.
But please do keep and eye on the oil and change asap. It is very important in order to keep the engine running at its peak for as long as possible,
2007-02-19 12:30:44 · answer #1 · answered by professor_moe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How much was missing? If it was a quart low, that's not terrible, but it does mean that you should be checking the oil level regularly. Even new cars burn some oil, so get into the habit of checking it every time you fill up the gas, or before you take a long drive. If it was extremely low (3-4 quarts low), then you have a big problem.
If your transmission is leaking, that's not the end of the world either. It should be serviced regularly, just like the engine. What did they say was leaking? A gasket or hose? The price you quoted is actually pretty low for transmission work; usually if they have to remove it for servicing you'll pay a lot more.
If you haven't done it yet, get the transmission serviced; they will change the fluid and filter, and put a new gasket on the pan.
2007-02-19 12:14:37 · answer #2 · answered by Vinny 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was at a snow plow shop in the northeast. Getting my snow plow fixed under warranty. There was a fellow in there with a oil leak on the pump for his plow. 5 bucks for the part, 300 bucks for labor. I've seen shop labor rates from 55 to 72 bucks and hr in auto repair shops here. You didn't say what the 86 dollar part was. If a lot has to be removed to replace it. If its a front seal, the transmission will have to be removed from the engine. Depending on the vehicle that could take 3 or 4 hrs to remove it and replace it. At 72 bucks an hr it doesn't take long. As if the engine is toasted. A leak in the transmission won't affect that .
2007-02-19 12:17:41 · answer #3 · answered by David A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could cause minor leaks if your old fluid thins out and your seals were weak to begin with,try an oil stabilizer like lucas that will fix the oil problem and as far as your transmission ask them where its leaking from if its the pan then get a transmission service done(filter and pan gasket)and that should take care of it... call your local auto parts store and ask how much the parts cost then ask if they can help you to do it alot of people that work at auto parts stores do side jobs...
2007-02-19 12:21:40 · answer #4 · answered by larson4122 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep your oil changed ever 3 months or 3,000 miles this is a must in order to keep your vehicle running in good shape. As for the leaks if they are there you need to get them fixed and once you do that stay on top of your vehicles maintenance you will be thankful you did oil is a crucial component in your vehicle you need to make sure that it is in good condition also when you do get your oil change take it to a shop with a good record they may help you get other things taken care of they notice to be wrong during routine inspection during an oil change.
2007-02-19 12:17:33 · answer #5 · answered by Number One Tech 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you could have a small leak. Take a flashlight look under your car for wet oil around pan and valve cover for wetness. Your transmission is on its own engin oil has nothing to do with it and it will not hurt your trans. if engin oil has small leaks.
2007-02-19 12:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by polarb 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and if you ran it past the due date of changing it ,this will make it use a little oil ,once the oil gets broken down ,it looses its viscosity,and then the engine begins to burn a small amount of it,if its been a while since you had a change ,you need to get it done if not you may ruin your car engine,and it may leak some also,but keep it changed the engine will last a lot longer if you do,good luck i hope this help,s.
2007-02-19 12:09:22 · answer #7 · answered by dodge man 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, it wouldn't cause the problems you mention. But the engine might quit running and need extensive repair if the oil level gets too low so that lubrication stops.
2007-02-19 12:05:45 · answer #8 · answered by DelK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not really depends on if it was bone dry of oil if its low but not out it still getting oiled but if its dry yes it can damage the engine and if the seals gets dry and burnt the damage to them can cause a leak the trans if a automatic gets low you will not it . it will shift its self out of gear untill it picks fluid back up then it will work again untill it loses fluid again
2007-02-19 12:09:00 · answer #9 · answered by south418 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil burns, you don't have to necessarily change it. Just add more, but it is a good idea to change your oil every 3 monthes or so.
2007-02-19 12:05:12 · answer #10 · answered by cisco632 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋