Hi all need some help figuring out my oil leak. First cold weather here in Brooklyn NY I noticed a puddle of oil under the back of the engine where the drive train connects to the engine (I think). Took to Pepboys, they said that they changed the gaskets and tightened them, changed oil and oil filter, and tightened the pan.

There was no leaking by the filter or the pan, nor could I see any oil leaks on top of the engine or the sides. Took it home and the next day and parked on street, saw NO puddle. Then moved car and the next day saw the same puddle. Another note, when I drive I can smell burning oil from the vents/heater/ac. Don't see any smoke just smells very badly. I've attached a photo of where it's puddling under the car. Any ideas or direction would be helpful. I'm thinking I have to take back to Pepboys (really don't want to).

PS - I don't think its transmission fluid, it looks likes oil and smells like, but from where it's leaking its making think it could be transmission fluid.

Thanks,
JB

 

If that is from overnight on one occasion, it's quite a serious leak but difficult to tell from the photo if it's engine oil or transmission fluid.

First check whether the oil level is dropping on the dipstick. An engine oil leak is unsightly and annoying but running with insufficient oil can soon cause damage.

The fact you can smell burning oil coming through the vents suggests it could be one of the common leak points on the V8 which is the plastic Camshaft Covers. Oil leaking from here drops onto the hot manifolds and burns off whilst the vehicle is running.

I'd check and eliminate this first as a possible source.

Graham

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm taking it in tomorrow and will ask them to check the cam shafts. I'm under the impression that tranmission fluid is pink? Yes?

 

I took a picture of where it's actually dripping (it is a bolt or some sort). It seems that the oil is running off and dripping there. Also, took a shot of the color of the fluid coming out, looks like oil. Any ideas?