Random mystery oil leak?
 

Hello,
I am new to this site. My 2000 Saturn SC2 has been off the road since 2012 but in my garage. I finally got around to the exhaust replacement. The engine was running fine with no problems. I put it on jack stands and removes the exhaust system and exhaust manifold 2 weeks ago. I went to work on it the other day and there is motor oil all over the floor under it. It isn't coming from the oil filter or drain plug but is running down the side of the oil pan. I can't figure out where it is coming from.The car hasn't been started for awhile and I don't know why it would suddenly decide to dump all the oil with no warning or anything. Anyone else have this problem or know why this would happen?

May just be that a gasket dried out....As for a 1.9L engine this is not a common problem we have all had problems with. Clean everything up put the car on stands and find for sure where the oil is coming from and fix it......What more can we say ?

I agree with RJ, may take a few times, as it did with my Ion, but eventually you will figure it out.

It's not a mystery, it's an oil leak. All I can say is have fun. Finding may easier than fixing. Keep your fingers crossed it goes your way.

HA, just noticed I have an oil leak in my sedan again, go figure, right?

My 94 with about 110K on the clock and it sits for weeks on end in the drive way started leaking from what it appears to be the rear main seal, but all over the floor would not describe the leak. If it really is big, I'd look to see what is going on with the oil filter before going too much further.

Thanks. I hope it's something easy like a dried out gasket. It just barely broken in at 181K miles and I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. I'll just keep looking till I find the leak.

I just found the leak! Turns out there is a small hole in the oil pan that was hidden by the bracket that connects to the engine and the trans-axle. The pan looks pretty rusty so I'll just replace it.

congrats for finding it! after one of the owners of the shop I regular screwed me today, I will be doing the work at my house from now on, even if it means me being without my daily drive for a few days. so my next day off, ill be looking for mine...sucks that we have a gravel driveway though 0.o

Join the club, Billy. I also have a gravel driveway. A large cardboard box from an appliance helps some, but not a whole lot. I lay on it.