Small oil leak

[Lucivar619]

I recently took the plunge and purchased a 1997 240SX SE w/170k miles on the little KA24DE, and so far, I am thrilled with the car overall. Only had a few small problems, headlights, the speakers were all blown, and the last problem is where I need help. I seem to have a small oil leak somewhere, when I park it overnight, there's usually a small quarter sized spot of oil right under the engine.I can't seem to locate the leak. I figured I'd ask around here and see if this might be common to the KA24DE? Maybe someone has an idea for locating the leak. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[kandyflip445]

Front Main Seal? Try to see where the engine is wet and tell us.

[aznpoopy]

oil pan probably

if the front main seal was leaking there would be a ton of oil sludge all over the underside of the car

there's also be a loud belt squeal when the car is first started in the morning. the oil leaks onto the accessory belts and get burned off when the car is started.

[m0rex]

Yup ^ thats pretty much it.

[kandyflip445]

Mine didn't do that. The seal was almost gone too. *shrug*

[Lucivar619]

Guess I put it up on ramps and get under there to check the oil pan. I'm thinking about just replacing all the gaskets. 170k miles is a lot, probably wouldn't hurt to give the engine a good overhaul.

[aznpoopy]

not a bad idea, but its quite a bit of work

here's a list, may make your life easier

valve cover - gasket
oil pan - rtv sealant
front main seal - o-ring rubber seal
rear main seal - o-ring rubber seal
upper timing cover - rtv
lower timing cover - rtv

there may be a gasket on around the oil filter, i don't recall

i think that's it. or at least those are the ones i've had to deal with. >_<

[kandyflip445]

The oil filter has the gasket built into the filter. Azn...do you take your car to Jiffy Lube? ;) j/k

Change your PCV valve while your at it. A bad PCV valve can cause gaskets to go bad MUCH quicker, because of a build-up of corrosive gasses when it's not functioning properly.

If you haven't already. When you do the timing chain cover take off the tensioners you don't need.

[aznpoopy]

The oil filter has the gasket built into the filter. Azn...do you take your car to Jiffy Lube? ;) j/k


zing!

lol... so it does. you are right.

i was thinking of FCs. they have gaskets on the block for the oil filter.