Oil leak questions...

Emlyn_Dewar · 24 Jul 2007 at 19:30

Couple of questions from me, I rarely post in here other than for F1 but I alwas have a read of what's here.
This year I got given a '99 R Mitsubishi Colt GLX by my parents. Was proper awesome, especially as the last owner was my Gran and it's done little miles considering the age.

Anyway, I've noticed that the car has taken to leaking oil whilst the engine is running. With my extreme lack of knowledge I have no idea where the leak is coming from and what has caused it. I can only assume it has been leaking for a long time as when I got it the oil was extremely low, however, it doesn't leak all the time. Went a month without dropping anything and now it's pretty consistant drips whilst on, I've just been topping it up a bit every so often.
I had a look today and it appears that the leak is coming from, what can only be described as a black cylindrical tin... (Told you I don't know anything)
What I want to know is, what is this tin shaped object, and what is the likely problem? Reckon it wouldbe an expensive fix? (Just finished uni so am still in the poor phase of my life)

Thanks for looking.

233 · 24 Jul 2007 at 19:32

sounds like it might be leaking from round the filter/filter housing

get a oil and filter change and see if that cures it might just be the rubber seal on the old filter is perished

Firegod · 24 Jul 2007 at 19:58

Yeah might just not be on tight enough as well.

That "cylindrical tin" is the oil filter. It's where basically the oil which flows around the engine is cleaned to remove gunk and stuff.

Not expensive to replace, and like stated above, just get an Oil + Filter change and see if that helps.

Emlyn_Dewar · 24 Jul 2007 at 20:04

Cheers, will see about chucking it into the nearest garage soon, don't like driving it anywhere if there's a chance it'll ruin people's driveways etc...

Zuma · 24 Jul 2007 at 21:43

you could always try screwing it on a bit more.
if it really is loose then you might b able to scew it on a bit more.
you won't do any harm in trying. (just turn it by hand)
just turn it the same way you would a bottle top.
clean it with some kitchen roll first, and wear some latex gloves if you've got em.

BigglesPiP · 24 Jul 2007 at 22:06

Just buy a New oil filter, they're not expensive.

Unscrew the old one, there are tools for this, but just crush it so there's 2 flatish sides and do what you have to (it's getting chucked anyway).

Spread some oil on the rubber seal of the new one, and screw it on hand tight.

Probably a good opportunity to change the oil too, it's almost a false economy not to do so when changing a filter.