Sunfire oil leak

[FBI]

Hello all...

I have a 2004 Pontiac sunfire where since my last oil change I have noticed a small oil leak. The car drips about 2 drops a day leaving a small stain on the garage floor. I have taken it in, and they believe that the cartage style filter was leaking. They changed it, along with giving the motor a shampoo in the area of the leak. ITs been 2 days now and its still dripping oil..

Anyone have any ideas what it could be. I have gone under the car myself with a light and I cannot see any oil anyplace but a bit on the wires that go around that stupid reservoir where this cartage oil filter sits. but the reservoir itself is bone dry, alone with all other spots on the motor.

[Carz n Compz]

Why cartridge style filter do you mean the round screw on filter? Could it be a leak from another part of the engine? Transmission maybe?

[mander]

If you have had the particular area shampooed and its still leaking, take it back to the people that did this so they can pinpoint as to where its coming from. Thats the main reason for cleaning the area...so they can see where its coming from once everything is clean. This is just a guess but if the filter is tight, it could be the oil pressure sending unit thats leaking. Now that its clean, get it back to them before it gets too dirty again.

[FBI]

It’s not a thread on filter. It’s a round filter that slides into a reservoir on the side of the motor.

Yeah I was thinking that it was the oil sending unit. It seems to be covered with oil so ill take it in on Monday.

Thanks

[FBI]

Well this is an odd one.. I added some yellow dye to the oil. I ran the car to see if I could first find the leak. I found nothing. I then let it go for 3 days. I noticed oil on the ground again. I ran my black light over it.. No yellow. I pulled the tip stick, its glowing. I then put some cardboard under the car. Got some oil drips again. Ran the light over. No yellow marking.

Friday I washed the car. I have not seen any oil since. Is it possible that all this mess is from a sloppy mechanic? or does this dye evaporate. I’m totally lost.

Any Ideas?

Any Ideas?

[Dr.Dan]

What colour is the oil you see? It could be from another source.

It is possible that it was oil that was trapped somewhere like in the front subframe...

Just keep an eye on ALL your fluid levels.

[FBI]

IT was a yellow brown color. I think that it must have been trapped on part of the frame just like you were saying. There is no other explanation.

[Dr.Dan]

Without seeing it myself, that sounds like a mixture of oil and water... it does turn a yellowish-brown colour when mixed
Yes, oil and water do mix when pressure washed ;)

Still, keep an eye on everything

[FBI]

Will do.. today is the 3rd day since the wash... no oil drips since then.

[Mouse]

I'm thinking like you.

Sloppy filter removal, some oil on the sub-frame.

Fingers crossed.

[FBI]

Well I still do not seen any more oil spots. I think im in the clear.

Thanks for all your help..

Cheers

[Just Doug1]

There's always the trebuchet for when it's terminal.

[Mouse]

You've been watching to much PBS. :d