Just changed to Synthetic Oil and now my S60 leaks!!

notny41 · Post by **notny41** » 09 Dec 2006, 15:31

So, I bought a used 02 S60 AWD about a month ago.

Car was great - no leaks ran nice.

Since I didn't know when the last time the oil was changed I decided to change it. I though I was doing the car a big favor because the oil that came out was BLACK. The manual says that the owner can specify using synthetic oil when doing oil changes so I knew I wasn't doing something the manufacturer didn't approve of.

I guess my big mistake was using Mobil 1 full synthetic oil. I didn't I know what kind of oil was last in the car so I figured I'd be safe with synthetic. I had seem some posts about people putting in synthetic oil and their car started leaking oil. I didn't think I'd have an issue with a 4 year old car and less than 60K miles on it.

So after changing the oil I put a large piece of cardboard down when I park to see if there are any traces of drips. Nothing appeared for a week or so. Now I have some fairly good sized spots on the cardboard.

I pulled off the plastic under-engine cover and it has a good amount of oil on it about 5 inches behind the center bolt of that cover. I looked up under the car where that would be and I see oil seeping from where the main bearing would be. Right where the pulley is on the crankshaft.

If I switch back to regular oil, will that leak go away or is there any additive I should think about using? I know the manual says not to use any additives, but if I'm looking at replacing main bearing seals anyway...?

Anyone had a similar experience? The main reason for me getting this car was that I was sick of the leaks in my garage from my previous car...

Please tell me there is a cheaper remedy to this other than paying a shop a mint to pull the engine out and replace the seals...

Post by **JRL** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:35

Sometimes you can go back, worth a try
You also should check the entire PCV system and have the breather box cleaned out.
If the oil was "black" at 60K the previous owner probably didn't take very good care of it and at 60K anyway it's due for a MAJOR service
(including the breather box if you want it to live another 60K).
Sounds like a lot of crap built up in there and the oil has to go somewhere.
You could also have a leaky turbo return line. It's in the same general area and it could be your problem (along with the crud)

notny41 · Post by **notny41** » 09 Dec 2006, 19:33

Thanks for the info JRL,

Is the Breather Box, PVC and Breather Box something the general at-home mechanic can do? And if so, any instructions around for those?

I did tighten the oil filter cover when I had it apart. Needless to say, I'm going to keep a close eye on the underside of my car.

I guess my car doesn't love me as much as I thought when I changed the oil....

P

Post by **JRL** » 10 Dec 2006, 13:57

notny41 wrote:Thanks for the info JRL,

Is the Breather Box, PVC and Breather Box something the general at-home mechanic can do? And if so, any instructions around for those?

No, a messy 3 hr job. Intake has to be removed
I mean you CAN do it, but it's not a cake walk

notny41 · Post by **notny41** » 15 Dec 2006, 11:32

Well, incredibly, the car has not been leaking any more.

I pulled off the under-engine panel, tightened up the filter cover and drain plug, wiped all the oil off the panel and from anywhere on the engine I could reach, put the panel back on and it has been almost a week and no oil spots on my new piece of cardboard in my parking spot in the garage...

I don't think the spots were a result of spilling oil when filling. I was extremely careful not to dump it in too fast for that very reason. Plus the leak did not appear until about a week after the oil change.

Don't know, but I am happy again...

Up next is the Transmission fluid flush with Mobil 3309. Got the case ordered - just waiting for it to get here!

notny41 · Post by **notny41** » 21 Dec 2006, 11:07

Still no leaks...

This kind of stuff never happens to me. Stuff does not just fix itself. However, I'm not complaining about it. It is just really, really wierd.

(knock on wood)

notny41 · Post by **notny41** » 25 Dec 2006, 22:00

Well, I pulled off the bellypan again today so I could change the Tranny fluid. There was a small bit of oil residue on the engine side of the bellypan but not enough to cause it to drip onto the floor of my garage.

It looked like it was coming from the other end of the engine this time - from the rear side - which is mated up to the transmission.

Heck I don't even know if it was motor oil or if it could have been transmission fluid....

So I am still very happy that my oil leak is no longer existing.