Oil Leak? Normal Seepage? Looks like fluids all over the place...
OK- I got involved on this forum because I wanted to learn how I could do my own oil change. I did it- partially- the parts supply house sent me the wrong oil filter so I have to contact hem tomorrow and get the right one. I put new oil in, kept old filter... probably dumb but I needed the car to be drive-able for my wife tomorrow. When I get the right filter, I will put it in, and I am considering changing the oil again at that point- tell me if this is overkill. I ended up using an oil extractor (it was a piece- it started leaking- Moeller too) but not before removing the bottom plastic panels to try and do it with the drip method.
I ended up not being able to get the bolt off, so i used the extractor. But while i was under the car, I noticed a few things-
1. the oil pan has what looks like a fair amount of oil on it- as though ti has been seeping out from somewhere. I ran my finger over it, and it was not completely sludgy- not thin brand new oil, but it looks like a leak.
2. the second panel back looks like it has fluid on it too.
3. And everywhere, there are little drips and stuff.
Is this normal? i have a c230 Kompressor with 52K on it, I have always had it serviced at the dealer, and this is my first look at the bottom of the car. Should i be concerned? I would really like everyone's input here. Thank you.
Cars start to leak from all the vibrations and heat/cool cycles they go through.
When you're under there again, tighten all the bolts that fasten the oil pan, nice and snug (don't over tighten). There could be seepage from the cam/valve covers as well.
Over time you will get seepage and that's normal but just to make sure, spray the engine clean with degreasers (I like to do this at the coin-op car wash so I don't mess my driveway up) and do it with the plastic belly pans off. Wipe the engine down with rags so you know it's clean. Inspect with a mirror to make sure you went all the way around the valve covers, the heads, the oil pan. Then drive it for a few weeks and check and see if there's fresh oil. You can get a dye from the auto supply stores for the oil that you can only see with a black light. That will help you see where it's leaking from and how bad it is. I had one leak that was very slow but as all leaks, they don't get better, so when it started dripping down the the tranmission it was time to get it head gasket fixed, cheap part to replace but mucho labor.
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