Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Jetta Leaking Lots Of Oil Q. Dear Vincent: I know computers but I don't know squat about cars. I bought a used Volkswagen Jetta GLS three weeks ago, automatic transmission with 110,000 miles. Having walked everywhere for six years I'm super paranoid about cars. Today when I was restarting the car after a 10 mile trip I noticed the oil pressure light blinked for about 10 seconds and then went off.

It did not reappear while I drove home. After letting the engine cool a bit I took a look under the hood. There are puddles of oil everywhere to the right hand side of the engine, including back of engine on the right; it looks like someone sprayed it all over the place. There is nothing to the left.

I checked the dipstick and the oil level was right between min and max. All other fluids check out at proper levels too. What can cause the oil to spray around like that? I'm scared to death even to drive it to a mechanic now. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Judy

A. Not knowing specifics such as your year and engine size makes it difficult to help you pinpoint this however, in general, there are a few things which can cause this.

First and simplest would be a clogged PCV valve, this can result in increased crankcase pressure which will cause oil to find it’s path of least resistance to the outside of the engine. A compromised oil cap seal can cause oil to sling everywhere.

A leaking valve cover gasket especially when it leaks above your pulley driven accessories. These are the minimum items to check out, there could be other causes but I would need more data and the obvious need to be eliminated first.

Check the PCV valve by removing it and shaking it, you should hear and feel movement when you shake it, check the bolts on the valve cover, they should be uniformly tight but not too tight, about as tight as an average person could make them with a screwdriver using one hand. The oil cap should have a rubber seal in it that is in good shape.

I just posted an article entitled Finding Pesky Oil Leaks that you might find useful.