So, on Christams eve, on the way to the in-laws, the low oil indicator comes on. I pull into the next gas station and check the level and - nothing. So, I out in a quart of overpriced mineral and - still nothing. Another quart got some on the bottom of the dipstick and I said that will do for now. I looked under the front of the car and could see several quarter sized oil spots under the car at the front of the engine (no undertray). I finish the trip to the in-laws, go to leave but have a flat tire! Change to the spare, drive home, get 2 miles from home when the low oil light comes on again! Aarrgghh!!!

So, today I have to get the car in the garage and see what is up. I suspect a cooler line or cooler line o-ring has given up the ghost based on the swiftness of the consumption of the two quarts of oil I put in. I will keep you informed!

Bob

 

fa-la-la-la-la
la-la-la-la

Always a lovely way to spend the Holidays, under your car "on the side of the road". Hope you had a good day otherwise.

 

UPDATE: The oil is leaking from the level sensor. Is there a gasket between the sensor and the oil pan or is it just RTV? Good thing it is time to change the oil anyway!

Bob

 

UPDATE 2: There is an o-ring on the oil level sensor. I have one on order from ECS, along with a new coolant reservoir.

 

UPDATE 3: It isn't an o-ring, it is a round gasket. But, thet didn't do the trick. It is still leaking, even worse than before. I think the pan has a crack in it. Wonderful start to the new year!

UPDATE 4: Yep, the oil pan has a small crack in it. Very hard to see but its there. Darn pot holes! Gooped it up with black RTV and appear to have it under control but the lower pan doesn't look all that hard to change (famous last words?) so I might as well do it right. Have to call Shokan on Monday (they are closed today, bummer). Score one for the "keep that undertray in place" crowd!

 

My 02 A6Q Avant road clearance is just 4" while my outback is 8.5"... I try to steer away from those potholes, rocks & go slow on bumps & dips.while

 

It was actually a washed out place at the edge of a sand horse arena that was overgrown with weeds so I did not see the wash out until too late. I was inspecting the site for possible use as a rallycross site. A Subaru, or even an AllRoad, would possibly have bottomed out, it was that deep. When I did it, I was pretty sure I had busted the pan. I just surprised that the crack was as small as it was! But, I gooped it up with black RTV and no leaks so far.

 

You'll definitely need a new pan gasket and...a few spare new bolts. Trust me
While you're at it, you can also replace the oil cooler seal.
Definitely a Happy New Year to you, Bob.

 

At least your leak was not from where mine was... (front crank seal) Happy new year.

 

I have that leak, too, just not as bad. I also have the cam shaft seals leaking, again. But, the RTV is holding so the leaks should be down to their normal slow drip instead of the fast drip of the oil pan leak.