Question about van oil leak. Need help please

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Question about van oil leak. Need help please

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:18:29 PM EDT

Hola-

My ____ told me about a burning oil smell Monday- knowing I was going to change her oil I checked it out and didnt see a huge leak so let it go to today. Oil changed and she is about a quart low (HONDA ODYSSEY 2006).

Broke out the mirror and it looks like I need to change the Valve cover gasket, I will do front and rear in a few days BUT here is my question:

We are going on a 1000 mile road trip leaving in a few hours- do you think that any damage could occur- or what damage could occur if we take her van? My option is to rent a van but that really isnt in the budget- we COULD swing it but would prefer to not if possible.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:19:53 PM EDT

[#1]

Just take a couple of quarts of oil with you and check the level every couple hundred miles.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:27:59 PM EDT

[#2]

Just don't touch the radio antennae. You might get van-aerial disease.

And, FPNI.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:33:27 PM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just take a couple of quarts of oil with you and check the level every couple hundred miles.

View Quote

I agree with this. I had a car a very long time ago that had the same problem, brother did also. It was about 5 months before I changed mine after I discovered the leak.
Put it at the top of your list. TAke extra oil and check often.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:34:20 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
Hola-

My ____ told me about a burning oil smell Monday- knowing I was going to change her oil I checked it out and didnt see a huge leak so let it go to today. Oil changed and she is about a quart low (HONDA ODYSSEY 2006).

Broke out the mirror and it looks like I need to change the Valve cover gasket, I will do front and rear in a few days BUT here is my question:

We are going on a 1000 mile road trip leaving in a few hours- do you think that any damage could occur- or what damage could occur if we take her van? My option is to rent a van but that really isnt in the budget- we COULD swing it but would prefer to not if possible.

View Quote

If it's just small leak around the valve cover you're fine. Like the other user said just bring a couple quarts of oil with you and keep and eye on the oil level. I've driven less reliable cars with worse leaks than that much further at a time in the past.(Fords, dodges)

BTW the cover gasket in the back is going be kind of a pain in the ass to replace, but doable.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:37:35 PM EDT

[#5]

Take several quarts with you. Buy more at Walmart along the way if needed. Check oil at every gas stop. It's not going to lose several quarts that quick. If it was you'd have Already noticed a large pool In Your driveway.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:37:58 PM EDT

[#6]

FPNI
I would check it when you stop for gas or at resting points . if its only a quart low I doubt you will lose much in 1k trip just take a couple quarts of oil with you just in case

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:42:43 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:

Just don't touch the radio antennae. You might get van-aerial disease.

View Quote

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:43:36 PM EDT

[#8]

If the leak is large enough and oil is dripping onto the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipes, the possibility of fire exists. Back when I worked for a car dealer we had cars be towed in occasionally that caught fire because of an oil leak. Also, remember the Pontiac Fiero? They had many recalls but one of the main themes was fire due to oil leaks.

While you probably won't have a problem, the chance exists. If you are smelling the oil leak it means that the oil is burning off of something hot. If you do take the van, you will also have to put up with the fumes.

Posted: 2/17/2017 6:48:29 PM EDT

[#9]

If it's just seeping because the gasket is hard then you should be good to go just take a couple extra quarts and check often

Posted: 2/17/2017 7:10:53 PM EDT

[#10]

At the least I'd clean/de-grease the engine

Posted: 2/17/2017 7:13:41 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
If the leak is large enough and oil is dripping onto the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipes, the possibility of fire exists. Back when I worked for a car dealer we had cars be towed in occasionally that caught fire because of an oil leak. Also, remember the Pontiac Fiero? They had many recalls but one of the main themes was fire due to oil leaks.

While you probably won't have a problem, the chance exists. If you are smelling the oil leak it means that the oil is burning off of something hot. If you do take the van, you will also have to put up with the fumes.

View Quote

This can be a pretty big safety threat.

Had an valve cover gasket oil leak on my explorer and the carbon monoxide from it burning off would come in the cab and try to put me to sleep if I turned the heater on. It was the middle of winter :/

Posted: 2/17/2017 7:20:34 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
At the least I'd clean/de-grease the engine

View Quote

I do this. I've been nursing leaks in my truck for 10+ years.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Question about van oil leak. Need help please

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