O-ring on oil dip stick

[maxchao]

OK, I've brought you guys another stupid question. Here, I was wondering if that's the O-ring of my oil stick, see attached. Just want to make sure it's there, b/c it looks kinda different from my g/f's '00 LX.
Also, my engine burned 0.5 qt of oil in 2200 miles, Is that normal?
And, It seems some oil is leaking out from the plug, does that mean the plug is not tied enough?(Don't laugh at this!)

So...lol...don't be surprised that I don't know these lil details...


Josh

 

[LostSoulx316]

most likely if there is oil coming out of your plug it means your pistons rings are shot but i could be wrong use the search there are alot of stuff about burning oil

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Pull your plugs and see if they have oil on them...that should answer the oil question...there would be oil all down in the hole the plug comes from, and I would be surprised...there are much easier places for oil to go. If it's leaking past the rings that much, you would have tons of blue smoke coming out your exhaust. In my experience, P5s just consume some oil...0.5 quarts is not that much. Nothing looks strange on the dipstick to me...

 

[maxchao]

Good, I'm doing my research now...and it seems driving high speed also makes the oil consumption rate higher. Consider I just did a 1000 mile trip to FL with cruise on 80 mph most of time, it should justify this happening...

Well, now, it's the 'oil-from-plug' problem. Can it just be gasoline coming out b/c the plug isn't torqued enough?

Josh

 

[maxchao]

Also, no smoke from exhaust I think, at least I never see it in the rearview mirror.


Josh

 

[Nomad]

Are you saying oil is coming from the oil pan drain "plug"? If so then make sure you tighten it and replace the aluminum washer every oil change.

If you mean oil is in the spark "plug" holes then 9 time out of 10 your valve cover gasket is leaking at the spark plug hole gaskets. Oil will seep into and fill the spark plug hole. Clean it out and replace the valve cover gasket.

 

[buttthrax]

OK, I've brought you guys another stupid question. Here, I was wondering if that's the O-ring of my oil stick, see attached. Just want to make sure it's there, b/c it looks kinda different from my g/f's '00 LX.
Also, my engine burned 0.5 qt of oil in 2200 miles, Is that normal?
And, It seems some oil is leaking out from the plug, does that mean the plug is not tied enough?(Don't laugh at this!)

So...lol...don't be surprised that I don't know these lil details...


Josh

All engines burn oil. Its just a matter of how much. Your piston rings may be bad but 1/2 a quart over 2200 miles isn't that much, but it is more than normal.

 

[StealthWyvern]

All engines burn oil. Its just a matter of how much. Your piston rings may be bad but 1/2 a quart over 2200 miles isn't that much, but it is more than normal.

I agree, I burn 0.5-1qrt of oil every oil change it veries depending on how often I get close to triple digits.

 

[maxchao]

OK, I'll try to watch the engine oil consumption now. Hopefully it's just b/c I push it too hard all the time and constant 80mph+ 1k mile trip.
I'll change the spark plug too, and if it keeps on leaking, I'll change the valve cover gasket. I think that might be the issue b/c in other spot I can see some oil stain as well just not as bad as what's coming out from the spark plug.

Thanks for all the advice, this forum is great!

Josh

 

[JPB-Pro5]

If you mean oil is in the spark "plug" holes then 9 time out of 10 your valve cover gasket is leaking at the spark plug hole gaskets. Oil will seep into and fill the spark plug hole. Clean it out and replace the valve cover gasket.

Nomad is right, the new gasket kit should come with the main outer gasket around the whole valve cover, and also 4 spark plug tube seals, and I'm not sure if it comes with the little gromet seals for each valve cover bolt, but if that middle valve cover bolt, in your pic is loose, it will leak also. And for oil to get all the way past the spark plug and up and out the tube would mean you would have to have stripped the plug threads pretty bad, and your rings would be so shot you would see major smoke and your car would run like crap! That's not your problem here. Also if there is no oil on the plugs whatsoever, don't waste money on a new plug unless it's really old! Hope you get it fixed!

 

[maxchao]

OK, so, how much should I torque the bolt in the middle?
I'm thinking, maybe the oil comes from there instead of the spark plug, we will see...but I will tighten the bolt anyway..
I've heard they shouldn't be too tight otherwise it will make it leak worse.


Josh

 

[JPB-Pro5]

OK, so, how much should I torque the bolt in the middle?
I'm thinking, maybe the oil comes from there instead of the spark plug, we will see...but I will tighten the bolt anyway..
I've heard they shouldn't be too tight otherwise it will make it leak worse.


Josh

Always torque bolts to spec, from your manual. Many times the manual will give you a range of torque because over time the bolts wear with removing and reinstalling. Also just tightening the bolt will not help if the little round gasket is bad underneath it. You'll need to purchase the gasket kit if it still leaks. Their easy to install and you can paint or polish your valve cover while it's off!! Have fun!