what are the possible causes of a major oil leak in a car?

Question

'03 Hyundai Elantra with less than 50,000 mi, has a sudden major oil leak.

I haven't had the oil changed recently. It is due for one but not seriously over due. There has been no serious damage. No one has messed with it recently to my knowledge. About a week ago my check engine light came on, and I contacted my dealership, but it was after hours and I didn't get a response, the next morning the light was off. A couple of days later, it happened again, and went off again. Then tonight, I was coming home and realized white smoke was coming from under the hood. I immediately went home, and then shortly after went back outside, in the dark, and saw that oil was leaking from my car and running into the next parking space. I have no idea where it's coming from. These are the only details I have...

Answer 1

Did you recently have a Jiffy Lube oil change? They sometimes forget to tighten the new oil filter after they put it in.

Answer 2

RE: What are some possible causes/solutions to an oil leak? I have a 1989 volvo 240 DL that recently (within the last week) started leaking engine oil. I haven't found the exact source yet, but it's definitely engine oil, and I was just looking for some possible causes for this. I'm overdue on an oil/filter/lube job. Any insight into...

Answer 3

With fifty thousand miles the motor should still be in excellent
condition. If, as stated, it "suddenly'' started leaking the chance of a gasket failure with the dependability of todays gaskets is pretty well ruled out.

Unfortunately, we do not know the history of events taking place with this auto immediately before the leaking started. We also do not know what a "major" oil leak is in the writers opinion.

If we rule out two obvious problems; loose oil filter or loose pan plug, it would seem we should check to see if the oil fill cap is installed on the engine properly.

Since modern engines run a "sealed" engine ventilation system if the "oil cap" is not replaced properly a engine can and will blow oil out of that orfice in voluminous amounts very quickly. (Unfortunately, I speak from my own experience.)

What do you think???????????

V.R.

Answer 4

Gasket has broken, oil leak occurs. Hole in oil pan. Look to where the leak begins, that will give you an idea of what has happened. If you cannot see where it begins, don't drive the car, you'll ruin the motor.

Answer 5

The major cause of oil leaks in a car or truck is bad head gaskets or the gaskets surrounding the oil pan.

Answer 6

Loose oil filer, loose oil pan, bad rear main seal.

Take it in and have it looked at, it could be something simple. That will be a lot cheaper than running your engine out of oil and ruining it. good luck

Answer 7

probably a seal, i hate to say it, but you are gonna have to crawl under the car and see where its leaking from, a picture would help alot. it could be as easy as the oil cap, or oil filter. did you get the oil changed recently?if you drive it make sure it has the right amount of oil in the car, or youll have alot worse problems.you can email me at [e-mail] and ill help you as much as i can.

Answer 8

could be a front or rear main seal in the engine or the oil pan could be leaking

Answer 9

Loose bolts on your oil pan, you better hope anyway. I have seen oil pans with holes in them. I have seen where oil change places leave bolts loose, worse case scenario your block is cracked, have it looked at or fix it your self, good luck.

Answer 10

oil filter loose ,gasket on oilpan leaking