General Lots of Black Oily Stuff

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General Lots of Black Oily Stuff

Laika

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Jun 18, 2009
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Sorry for the ridiculously obvious question (to you guys), but it seems that my 1997 Cinq is spewing what appears to be oil, a lot. It's virtually coated many of the engine parts and upon stopping, a small puddle of oily nastiness will appear.

I'll put up pictures tomorrow, but for now does anybody have any idea what this could be? Thus far, I've not actually noticed any difference in performance, nor have I noticed it overheat at all (Although if the bloody thing had a temp gauge it'd make my life a lot easier.

Thanks!
-Laika.
 
It smells petrol-like. To help narrow it down, it seems to be coming from somewhere beneath the stock air filter, right hand side of the engine if looking at it from above.
 
If either inner drive shaft rubber gaiter has oil on it, walk to factor for a pack of full synthetic gear oil, dont drive it anywhere until you are sure the gear box level is ok.

If you can detect any damage to either gaiter you need to replace. Dont drive it with a suspect gaiter as a seized box may not be repairable, if they can be repaired they will be well expensive. The breakers know the demand is high and will want arm and leg.

If it is the engine top it up SAE 10-40 until the level is near to the max on the dip stick, clean the engine and identify source, after a drive around block.

Noel
 
First point would be to dip the engine oil. You'll know how full it was at your last weekly check and you'll know your usual consumption so you will notice if any is missing.

If none is missing it isn't engine oil.

Then check the gearbox oil level, as above. Do not be tempted to drive it until resolved.

If its engine oil it could be a blocked air filter, when was it last changed?

Cheers

SPD
 
Oil under the car does not have to be the gearbox. Could it be the rocker cover gasket? They are notorious on 8V Fiats for distorting and leaking and leaks at the back arent obvious from above.

But its an easy fix to DIY or cheap if you need to pay a mechanic.
 
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