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Darkranger85
New User
Dec 12, 2011, 11:10 AM
Post #1 of 7
(1525 views)
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Newbie with a problem
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Hey all,
1998
Chevy
Lumina
3.1L (I think, not 100%)
100k (Tiny bit over)
I'm new to all things "car." Which actually means I have never looked under the hood of a car for anything more complicated than jumpstarting or pouring in oil.
Today I started having a problem with the car and I'm hoping to get some input on it before my father gets home from work so I can help him out a bit.
I started the car this morning and it seemed fine. I warmed it up and then went to the gas station where I filled the tank. After this I hit the highway and suddenly the car felt as if it were driving through Jello.
I wasn't getting any power and it came in surges but got progressively worse. My first thought was water in the tank. But, then I got home and I'm ashamed to admit that I then noticed a rather large puddle of oil on the ground.
I'm not 100% sure but I'm thinking the puddle got there before I left, probably while the car was warming up.
I put a quart of oil in the car (cause thats what I happened to have on hand) and put a container of dry gas in the tank.
Any ideas and things I can do to run down the problem to help my dad would be very welcome!
Thanks!
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Darkranger85
New User
Dec 12, 2011, 12:05 PM
Post #2 of 7
(1500 views)
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Re: Newbie with a problem
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Additional Info: The oil level is still very low even after putting in more oil.
I have another quart but I don't want to put it in unless I'm told too cause I don't want it just flowing out of some leak or something lol.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 12, 2011, 12:29 PM
Post #3 of 7
(1493 views)
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Re: Newbie with a problem
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It doesn't matter if it's running out. You can't run the engine without oil. My suggestion is to just have it towed to a shop for diagnosis before you do more damage. You may already be looking at a new motor because you drove it without oil.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 12, 2011, 1:25 PM
Post #4 of 7
(1482 views)
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Re: Newbie with a problem
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Sounds like a big oil leak....This would need to be traced down 1st. Check the oil sending unit and oil pump drive both of those are capable of big leaks. Whatever the leak is, if you & your father feel it's a little too much to tackle, then definitely follow HT's advise and tow this vehicle. Don't drive it anymore until you get a handle on the oil leak....
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Darkranger85
New User
Dec 12, 2011, 1:37 PM
Post #5 of 7
(1478 views)
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Re: Newbie with a problem
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Thanks for the info.
If I could get a little clarification though, and I apologize if this is a stupid question.
Is there a difference between "Driving" and "Starting/Running" the car?
In other words, should the car not even be started till the leak is found or whatnot?
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 12, 2011, 1:42 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Newbie with a problem
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No....you'll probably have to start it, just make sure it's full of oil when you do...
The 1st step would be to find the area where the leak is, more than likely everything will be covered with oil so you should get a few cans of brake cleen and clean the area off. Once it's fairly dry, have a helper start the engine and see if you can see where the leak is coming from......keeping in mind that if the leak is high it will run down so just because oil is dripping off an oil pan, that doesn't mean the pan is leaking, this is where confirming the leak comes into play, basically seeing the leaking coming out of wherever with your own 2 eyes.....
You just don't what to be driving this car down the road if it's pumping oil out at a high rate, that would be a good way to ruin your engine.....
(This post was edited by Sidom on Dec 12, 2011, 1:44 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 12, 2011, 1:56 PM
Post #7 of 7
(1466 views)
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Re: Newbie with a problem
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You are messing with a very risky area and a mistake will cost an engine if it hasn't already. You may be smarter to have it towed.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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