1997 Chevy Lumina OIL LEAK

1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA
114,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JRNAITCH
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Yesterday I started up went outside got literally maybe to the first block away from my house and heard a pop thought it was a tire i look at my rearview mirror and i notice i'm leaking a straight line of oil looked at the dash and my oil engine light was on but NOT the check engine soon light so i turned around and drove back home when i got home i noticed right where i heard the pop there was a washer so i crossed the street and picked it up it was some type of oil washer when i later let the engine cool off for a few hrs and checked the oil it was empty ........any idea what may have happened to my car ? my last oil change was in early may and i hadn't been leaking any oil at all the last few months ! please let me know and thanks
Jul 18, 2010 at 11:33 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

I am wondering if the oil drain plug has come undone, the plug has a washer as a seal, if the plug came out it would leave a trail of oil like you describe, check the bottom of the engine oil pan, there should be a plug that looks like a bolt head, check to see if it is still there.

mark (mhpautos)
Jul 19, 2010 at 5:58 AM
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JRNAITCH
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ok if the bolt is still there what should i do ? and if its not what does that mean ?
Jul 19, 2010 at 2:20 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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If the bolt is still there, you will have to top up the oil run the engine and check for fresh leaks, if it has gone, go to a dealer or wreckers and get a new plug, fit a new washer and re fit, add oil and run engine, either way you then will have to get a mechanic to listen to the engine and may be do an oil pressure test to see if any permanent damage has been done.

mark (mhpautos)
Jul 19, 2010 at 5:15 PM
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JRNAITCH
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thank you !
Jul 19, 2010 at 7:12 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Your welcome,

Let me know how you get on, thank you for using 2carpros, you feedback is always welcome.

Mark (mhpautos) :)
Jul 19, 2010 at 7:18 PM