Oil Everywhere

[mr_naler]

So, I just spent a little over $300 putting a new starter in, removing my A/C and P/S, and a battery relocation kit. Then today I am driving around town and from under my hood, smoke starts pouring out. Concerned by this I pull over to investigate. I am surprised to find the source of the smoke being between the exhaust manifold and the down pipe. I conclude that there is a significant exhaust leak, no big deal, but the source of the smoke is uncertain. I then drive it to my grandfather's shop about 5 miles down the road. When I check back under the hood I notice that oil is EVERYWHERE. Oil is on the hood, on my radiator, pooled on my crossmember, all down under my distributor, on top of my alternator, and all behind my alternator. Previously I had suspicions of leaking valve stems, and possibly a bad head gasket, now I don't know what to think. Can anyone give me ideas that I can check? I have a fear every gasket on the engine got together and decided to quit all at once. I topped of the oil yesterday. I check a few moments ago... empty.

Any thoughts or advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

[mtnbikaah]

Did you put the oil filler cap back on?

(yes, that happened to my brother once, and only once)

[JoshM]

Did you put the oil filler cap back on?

(yes, that happened to my brother once, and only once)

It's happened to the best of us

[mr_naler]

Haha, yes. Honestly, I would have been relieved if it were that.

[SilverShadow]

haha Doubt every gasket went at once. The fan of course put the oil everywhere. Now you have the job of wiping it all down and later starting it with hood open to see. I've seen massive oil come from a melted timing cover also from the valve cover not tight and the one I too did....forgot to put the oil cap back on. Once even the dip stick!

[Raf99]

Did you put too much oil in?

Clean up the oil, start for 2 seconds and see where it comes out. Probably a balancer shaft seal, when mine went it was skirting oil like I struck gold.

[GhostAccord]

By any chance did you replace your PCV valve or remove it?

I have seen a situation where a backed up crank case pressure could result in oil coming back out of the oil dipstick.

Other than that you should clean up all the oil and go from there. Watching the engine and any signs of oil leaks.

[mr_naler]

Dear God. This means I have to wipe away 265,000 miles of minor oil leakage, and dirt, and sand, and possibly some living, or once living, creatures off as well... I was really hoping no one would suggest that.

I definitely didn't put too much oil in, the oil is leaking from two sides most definitely. I will begin cleaning tonight and hopefully test it tomorrow.

[SilverShadow]

Dear God. This means I have to wipe away 265,000 miles of minor oil leakage, and dirt, and sand, and possibly some living, or once living, creatures off as well... I was really hoping no one would suggest that.

I definitely didn't put too much oil in, the oil is leaking from two sides most definitely. I will begin cleaning tonight and hopefully test it tomorrow.

I think there is an active thread on engine bay cleaning... on here....lol

[mr_naler]

I couldn't find one, but I found enough information to help me. I will have to get a ride to the parts store tomorrow. Checklist: Uber Cheap Oil, Gunk Engine Brite, Paper Towels, Toothbrush(es).

[toycar]

I couldn't find one, but I found enough information to help me. I will have to get a ride to the parts store tomorrow. Checklist: Uber Cheap Oil, Gunk Engine Brite, Paper Towels, Toothbrush(es).

Never that.

[Sordz]

Get brake cleaner, easiest way to get oil off your motor.

[Raf99]

let us know how you make out, pics would be sweet to see too.

[93redcb7]

Never that.

hes just going to end up either draining it or it leaking out

[mr_naler]

Never that.

I am not going to pay for Mobil 1 or whatever just for my engine to sling it everywhere. I am not going to be running it for more than a minute.

Get brake cleaner, easiest way to get oil off your motor.

Gunk works better, though I have used that before.

let us know how you make out, pics would be sweet to see too.

Yuh. I have been taking pictures with my iPhone. I will upload them after I clean it up.

hes just going to end up either draining it or it leaking out

Precisely.