Originally Posted by Oil_Rookie
Originally Posted by TiGeo
Seriously, this is easy. Either 1) DIY or 2) have it changed out at a place that will use the correct oil etc. and chalk up the little bit of money lost to life. 10W40 is ancient and while you motor isn't going to grenade, I'd change it for the correct oil type and weight. The leak is likely just the crush washer that wasn't changed out.
The plan is to head to Walmart tomorrow and to replace the oil and filter. I'll ask about a drain plug gasket. We'll see how that goes. I hope it's a good experience.
The leak: I idled the engine for 30 min this a.m. There was a bit of leakage below the drain plug and below the oil fill cap but it stopped and that was it. I drove it 5 miles getting it up to 45 m.p.h, stopped a few times, saw no leak. Back in the garage I'm getting a drop below the drain plug once every couple of hours. I think it will hold up for the 40 miles to Walmart.
For those who have asked why I had it serviced where I did, why I allowed this to happen, why don't I know whether the out-of-spec 10W-40 needs to be replaced now or in a few thousand miles, all I can tell you is what I've posted here - I screwed up, was uneducated about motor oil, didn't know the proper requirements, took a chance on a local mechanic, etc., etc.
I thank ALL that have replied and offered comments and suggestions. Hopefully this thread will help other 'rookies' service their vehicle(s) the right way.
Do you happen to have a neighbor that can quickly crawl under and see if that drain plug is snug enough to go 40 miles? Just a thought...
Anyhow, you have a good plan and I hope it all works-out. Keep an eye on your oil light. If it goes red, pull over fast as you can, turn off engine and call a tow truck. Let us know how it all turns-out.
Ray
Originally Posted by TiGeo
Seriously, this is easy. Either 1) DIY or 2) have it changed out at a place that will use the correct oil etc. and chalk up the little bit of money lost to life. 10W40 is ancient and while you motor isn't going to grenade, I'd change it for the correct oil type and weight. The leak is likely just the crush washer that wasn't changed out.
The plan is to head to Walmart tomorrow and to replace the oil and filter. I'll ask about a drain plug gasket. We'll see how that goes. I hope it's a good experience.
The leak: I idled the engine for 30 min this a.m. There was a bit of leakage below the drain plug and below the oil fill cap but it stopped and that was it. I drove it 5 miles getting it up to 45 m.p.h, stopped a few times, saw no leak. Back in the garage I'm getting a drop below the drain plug once every couple of hours. I think it will hold up for the 40 miles to Walmart.
For those who have asked why I had it serviced where I did, why I allowed this to happen, why don't I know whether the out-of-spec 10W-40 needs to be replaced now or in a few thousand miles, all I can tell you is what I've posted here - I screwed up, was uneducated about motor oil, didn't know the proper requirements, took a chance on a local mechanic, etc., etc.
I thank ALL that have replied and offered comments and suggestions. Hopefully this thread will help other 'rookies' service their vehicle(s) the right way.
Do you happen to have a neighbor that can quickly crawl under and see if that drain plug is snug enough to go 40 miles? Just a thought...
Anyhow, you have a good plan and I hope it all works-out. Keep an eye on your oil light. If it goes red, pull over fast as you can, turn off engine and call a tow truck. Let us know how it all turns-out.
Ray
