Car is losing oil - is it possible that an incorrect oil filter would cause this?

around 70,000K ago I had my motor stripped down and "ALL" gaskets in my motor were replaced. At the time, she was leaking around the manifold intake gasket, so I decided to do the head gasket as well (as a precaution)....Bought the complete kit, and all the gaskets were replaced (and upgraded to a better quality) - - - Chev's!!!!

Anyway, the last time I had an oil change the mechanic first of all, thought they were out of oil filters to fit my car (believe it or not)..... he put a filter in her, but had GREAT difficulty getting it in.
I am suspicious. It sent up red flags at the time, and now....well, I'm just wondering if that could be potential cause of my current issue.

Ever since my last oil change, my car has been losing oil - gradually.
She doesn't seem to be burning it, and no indication of anything in my coolant. No foam.
(Just losing oil)

Any suggestions?

2012-12-05T04:44:03Z

**Just called my mechanic - told him my suspicions. He said it's possible. Also suggested it might be the "plug" leaking. He dismissed any concern of gaskets - - - "ALL" gaskets were replaced. Motor was stripped down and redone at the time.**

AND AGAIN: This has only start happening since last oil change. I check my fluids frequently.

Getting my oil/filter change done in 2 days time - curious to see if my suspicions are correct.**

2012-12-05T05:40:54Z

Pilsner Man: 2005 Chev Impala. 180,000km on.
Here's the thing though: She wasn't losing ANY oil prior to last oil change. (I know. I check frequently, and the car is regularly maintenanced) I also know the mechanic who done the oil change had one heck of a time trying to get the filter in her last time (like it took him 15 mins!!!) and he was doubtful of the filter initially. That is why I am suspicious.

The oil is missing 'gradually'. I have smelled 'burning' on occasion, but I'm assuming if she's leaking it slowly and the oil is landing on hot motor, it would do the same thing. The filter also appears to have something on it.

I could be dead wrong, but I know my car (and her quirks) and losing oil was never one of them. That, combined with the last oil change experience has me wondering. Can you really blame a girl?

Mark2012-12-05T11:22:12Z

Favorite Answer

It is a very good possibility the filter is the wrong on but, if it were leaking oil around the filter or filter
mount, then this indicates two issues could be wrong....
1) The oil filter did not get the o-ring/gasket was not coated with clean oil to allow a proper seal...

2) The oil filter was the wrong diameter but, if it was the wrong filter - all the oil would leak out rather
quickly...a matter of a few minutes...

That being said, if you are loosing oil in any other area of the engine...a gasket could be bad...
Yes, I know you said you installed all new gaskets, seals, etc. but, did you skip the valve guide seals?

When you have driven the car for 15 minutes or more, do you small the scent of burnt oil around the
engine area?

If so, you could be burning oil in the cylinder(s) even if it is only a small loss...

Take a moment and look online...Take the number off the side of the filter and look it up to see if it
applies to your vehicle.

If it is a WIX, go on their we site...etc...

I would advise doing a compression test to ensure you are not loosing anything from the rings or
anywhere else...

Good Luck...

20

Pilsner Man2012-12-05T05:12:52Z

If you don't have a spot of oil under you car after you park it, it isn't leaking it, it is consuming it. There is no way a filter will cause a loss of oil, unless it is leaking. You don't mention leaks, and you don't mention car model or mileage.

ADDED: If it was the filter leaking, or any small leak onto the exhaust manifold, you would smell burned oil whenever you get out of the car. You also don't say what gradually means. A quart every 500, 1000, or 2000 miles? All I am saying is that it either leaks, or the engine is eating it. Those are the only choices here. Some engines may start to consume oil if there are cracked valve guide seals. These seals come with an overhaul kit, but replacing them requires disassembly of the valve springs.

Some engines are prone to start using oil at a certain mileage. Is the PVC valve good? I really can't add anything else.

10

Professor Howlett2012-12-05T04:29:49Z

An incorrect filter could very well be causing your dilemma. could have incorrect thread sizes or it could be leaking around the base. I am assuming you have the standard screw on filter, not a canister filter. He may have left the old gasket on as well, causing a poor seal.

You should be checking your parking space/s for oil spots. Look up you car in a google search and find the filter location. If you are able to see the filter....look for oil around it. May have to clean old dirt or oil off and drive it a while to see if any oil accumulates.

Take it to a good mechanic for most reasurance. Your engine may need a rebuild if if is consuming much oil. Over time the seals in the piston chambers will degrade and you will be burning oil. Again...to avoid large repairs for a possible simple fix, take her to a well thought of mechanic. Best of luck. - stef

12

Anonymous2012-12-05T04:30:47Z

Many will disagree with this but yes using a cheap or incorrect oil filter can cause engine oil loss, you may not see it but yes its burning it ever so slightly..

Also a cheap or incorrect oil filter can cause an engine to overheat and malfunction as well.

11

thebax20062012-12-05T04:17:59Z

Get under the car and check the filter and drain plug!

11
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