Just told I have an oil leak in the area where the oil drains out when oil changed. I have no automotive talent and would appreciate any suggestions, advice or names of mechanics in NJ that I can have look at my 2000 SE and repair it.

Hey again Dolores

Mike....aka Mike1995 is from New York and may be able to give you an idea where to go.

as far as your oil leak...."where the oil drains out when oil changed".......sounds like a possible leaking oil pan gasket. But hang tight we will see you through this.

Todd

Thanks again.

Or, if the drain plug itself is what'* leaking, you could have a dented pan. If this is the case when the plug is put back its not creating a good seal like it should, therefore allowing a leak.

Todd, Lolita18 said NJ, I'm in New YOK. Upstate to be precise. lol

Mouse covered it pretty good. Did you hit anything recently, maybe a big chunk of ice in the road. Or did you have an oil change done lately?

MIke sorry I googled your location versus where Dolores location. Must have read it wrong because it said your only 1 hour 45 minutes away.....

Having your oil changed at a quickie-change place is the fastest way to have the plug stripped, lost, left out, left lose, cross-thredded, etc. Or the plastic washer could be cracked or squashed from overtightening. In any case pull the plug and check it and the pan threads before you get all caught up searching elsewhere.

Excellent advice from you guys. Any of these are possibilities. I did change my oil recently and I also hit a batch of snow when backing into a parking spot. It may have hit the bottom of my car. It sounds like I should take it in to a garage, put on a lift and have them show me where the leak is coming from?

Right now, that is your best bet, get it to a garage and find out where it'* leaking from.

Is CT too far

Hi Dolores, great to hear from you again.

The 2000+ models will never get a dented oil pan, because they are cast aluminum and it'* structural, which means it is very strong.

As I remember the pan I have (2000+) doesn't have a plastic washer etc on it. That'* not saying that a nice rubber washer wouldn't fix things up for you though. Cheap easy and might work.

It'* a bummer you didn't have this issue the weekend of Christmas...I was in Philly and could have stopped by. Ohhhhh speaking off... Where'* Justin, he might be nearby!