Oil Spot Under Car

[swexlin]

I had the car out for a nice 35 mile drive today - another beautiful fall day. Parked the car about 11 am. I always check under the car before and after a drive, inspect tires, etc. Garage floor dry after the drive.

Nine hours later, I have to go out to the garage for something. Don't know what made me check (perhaps its the OCD), but now, there is a half-dollar-sized spot of oil, on the passenger side, just to the right of center, and about as far back as the center of the tire. WTF? What could have made that spot in 9 hours? So, with the flashlight, I'm looking underneath. No active drip that I can see. Open the hood, and again, nothing that I can see, everything appears drive. There is a little oil on the passenger valve cover, but that might be a drip from the last time I checked the oil (which wasn't today, but the way.)

Shining the light down from the topside, again, everything looks dry, can't see where it would be coming from. I'm thinking the oil cooler lines, but why would it have started like that all of a sudden? This car, at 11, 500 miles, has never had a drop of anything leak from it. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

[Steve M]

My guess since it is on the passenger side is the oil cooler lines. Mine leaked on my '08 with about that mileage on them, although I remember the spot on the floor being a little smaller than what you described. Looks like they carried the shitty oil cooler line design on to the Gen 5s, so it's not a matter of if, but when.

Another thing to check is the top of the oil filter (should be able to tell from the top pretty easily, more easily if you remove the air box). It's probably dry, but it could also be a source of your problem.

[swexlin]

Steve, not from the filter, first thing I checked. Well, car is under warranty, guess I'll have to make an appointment for my Viper tech to take a look at.
I know the lines tend to seep. I can't see an active drip. Very odd.

[Steve M]

Steve, not from the filter, first thing I checked. Well, car is under warranty, guess I'll have to make an appointment for my Viper tech to take a look at.
I know the lines tend to seep. I can't see an active drip. Very odd.

From what I've gathered, the oil cooler lines don't fail catastrophically...they just start weeping, and eventually enough collects that some drips on the floor.

[Voice of Reason]

Check your front shocks. I've had both fronts replaced on mine and when they leaked they both left a giant pool of oil on the floor.

Ironically the only other shocks I've had leak were on my Grand Cherokee. Those also left giant stains on my floor. I now have more oil stains in my garage from leaking Dodge shocks than from engine oil leaks.

[swexlin]

I'll check that today. I don't have a lift, so it's so damn hard to see where it might be coming from. I'll try to shine the light on the right shock as well.

[swexlin]

Update, here is a picture. It isn't the shock. For perspective, that is the right front tire in the photo, and that spot is a little bigger than a half-dollar, smudged by my finger a couple times. Pretty sure it's a cooler line. Shining the light from the top of the engine, all the lines look pretty dry, except for one kind of straight down at the bottom where where the dipstick is, seems to be a tiny amount there.

Again, no active drip now, nor was there any when I shut off the car yesterday. That took a few hours.

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[Steve M]

When mine went bad, both were leaking on the block side.

[sharmut]

Dealer confirmed source of my leak was at the engine block side as well and replaced both upper, lower hoses. Next time it leaks, will likely go aftermarket and be done with it.

[swexlin]

I texted with my tech yesterday, and he confirmed STILL an issue, and has been since 94. I'm going to call this morning and make an appointment to take the car in next week get them fixed.

[jaxtk]

I texted with my tech yesterday, and he confirmed STILL an issue, and has been since 94. I'm going to call this morning and make an appointment to take the car in next week get them fixed.

It is not the hoses that leak, it is the fittings in the block. Only need to replace them and not the hoses.

[ViperGeorge]

My guess since it is on the passenger side is the oil cooler lines. Mine leaked on my '08 with about that mileage on them, although I remember the spot on the floor being a little smaller than what you described. Looks like they carried the shitty oil cooler line design on to the Gen 5s, so it's not a matter of if, but when.

Another thing to check is the top of the oil filter (should be able to tell from the top pretty easily, more easily if you remove the air box). It's probably dry, but it could also be a source of your problem.

This is my bet too. My 14 GTS just had its lines replaced.

[swexlin]

My tech ordered them in this morning, car goes in next Tuesday for surgery! Not back-ordered, plenty in stock. Reading over on the Hellcat forums, guess what...their lines are leaking too. Probably the same part in those cars as well.

[Steve M]

Replacing them with the OEM lines should be viewed as a temporary fix...under warranty it makes sense, but out of warranty aftermarket is the way to go. It's just something you'll have to keep an eye on.

[swexlin]

That's what my tech said, he's says he's replaced many of these over the years, and couple years later, they leak again.
As long as the car is under warranty, I'll do it this way. If it happens out of warranty, then I'll seek a better solution.

Considering it's an annoyance issue more than an urgent issue, this way works for me for now.

[Steve M]

Considering it's an annoyance issue more than an urgent issue, this way works for me for now.

Don't blame you, and would probably do the same if it was mine. I remember doing the install many years ago, and while I was laying on my back cussing at the engine, I remember thinking you couldn't pay me enough to do it again.

[Rocket]

Might actually be the exact opposite of what you say. It appeared to me that is was the crimped portion of the line entering the fitting that was leaking. As a matter of fact - if you wanted the easiest/fastest way to fix this - you would buy the lines (which come with the fittings attached that screw into the block), remove the line from the fitting via the quick-connect spring and just replace the lines.

I chose to replace the entire assembly with the Viper Specialty lines so that it was fixed once and for all. And yes - replacing the lines are a real PIA!

Pics of the leak: The oil will saturate the oil cooler line and protective coating and will often drip onto the AC line that runs under the oil pan. In the first pic - that is the ac line that the oil is dripping from. 2nd pic is of the lines where they enter the block:
http://driveviper.com/gallery/data/500/medium/20160121_103654.jpg
http://driveviper.com/gallery/data/500/medium/oil_cooler_line_picture_2.jpg



It is not the hoses that leak, it is the fittings in the block. Only need to replace them and not the hoses.

[swexlin]

My AC line is dry, there is no active drip anywhere I can see. The frame itself is directly above the drip spot.

[Martin]

I wonder if your tech would be willing to install aftermarket lines for you. Labor time should be the same, and it saves FCA the price of the parts.

[swexlin]

I wonder if your tech would be willing to install aftermarket lines for you. Labor time should be the same, and it saves FCA the price of the parts.

I'm under warranty. Once the car is of warranty (if I still own it) then I'll explore that option. And remember, I'm assuming it's the lines. Who knows, once he gets the car on the lift, could be something else.

[ViperSRT]

Is it possible if during an oil change the mechanic tipped the filter and got oil inside the frame? Had that happen in a Gen 1 and it was a long time before it stopped dripping.

[speedtactics]

My 14 GTS both hoses leaking and replaced at 9500 miles.

[swexlin]

Is it possible if during an oil change the mechanic tipped the filter and got oil inside the frame? Had that happen in a Gen 1 and it was a long time before it stopped dripping.

Possible I guess sure.

[Jack B]

Possible I guess sure.

The first time I changed oil on the G5, I spun the filter off and oil gushed on to the frame. Now, I break the filter a let it drain. I believe that some times the oil lines release all their oil, other times they do not.

[swexlin]

Update, it was the oil lines - I picked up the car this morning. Jeff showed me the old lines - you could see where one had been seeping where it entered the block, and around a crimp.

He verified what you guys said - they WILL leak again. He's been doing this since the Gen 1 days.

[Policy Limits]

1/4 century later and quality control on a budget lolz

[AZTVR]

1/4 century later and quality control on a budget lolz

It appears to be a design issue to me.

[swexlin]

He says its because the lines are to rigid (not to mention cheap) and the engine torqueing eventually stresses them. This apparently is an issue with the Hellcats as well.

- - - Updated - - -


It appears to be a design issue to me.

Correct.

[Policy Limits]

Cheap lines should be installed in cheap cars. Just sayin

[AZTVR]

Cheap lines should be installed in cheap cars. Just sayinDan at VSP would most certainly agree with you! Here's the link for your order for the higher quality replacements:

Gen-3, 4 & 5 Pre-Made Stainless Steel Braided Oil Lines (http://viperspecialtyperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=196)

[Policy Limits]

Are these lines covered under the 3 year warranty or under the powertrain one?

[sadil]

Should be covered under powertrain warranty.

[Jack B]

My G2 leaked, however, that failure was from the hose rubbing where it passed between the radiator and frame.

[swexlin]

So, another update. I haven't driven the car since I parked it on Wednesday morning, when I picked it up at the dealer. Drove there and pack an heavy rain, so I went into the garage today to go over it with some waterless wash and detail spray. Well, you know where this is going, right? Yep - the car left another nice spot. I can't for the life of me figure this out. Again, no active drip. All the lines, and crimps in lines, and oil filter, all dry, nothing leaking or seeping that I can see. There is some wetness on the bottom frame, near the fan. (Bad photo below). But this seems to be out of thin air, because there is zippo leaking. New lines look good, and all other lines are dry.

Maybe it was residual that was left, and the fact the car was in pouring rain, it dripped down more as the car dried. I don't know. I guess in the spring, when the car gets driven more, we'll put some dye in the oil, and see if we can track this down. I'm honestly tired about stressing about this car, there are bigger things in life to worry about. But with the oil issues these cars have, I don't like it.

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[SuperBird4404BBL]

Good luck Scott.

[swexlin]

Good luck Scott.

Thanks Greg, it's frustrating, to say the least.

[Viper Granny]

Ok so you can add me to this list...maybe. I took the car out today, 6 a.m. dark yet, to a 100 mile each way road rally. When I returned at 1 ish, I opened garage door but left car outside to clean it. Walked into the garage to get the stuff and there it was, big as life so to speak, but about dime size ish. Black oil. Let's back this up a bit. On Dec 7 I drove about 100 miles round trip, car show. Dec 11, drove about 75 miles round trip, another car show (these are tedious so I quit). So between Dec 7 and Dec 16, and between 1100 and 1300 on the odometer, something went down. I LOVE my car so I'll deal with it, but I'm calling the dealer Monday. I mean come on, it only has barely 1500 miles on it (NOT 15,000, for crying out loud). I DO check the oil regularly and there is always a drop or 2 that drips off the end when removing the dip stick (which I find easy to read btw). So maybe that's it? We shall see.

[swexlin]

Ok so you can add me to this list...maybe. I took the car out today, 6 a.m. dark yet, to a 100 mile each way road rally. When I returned at 1 ish, I opened garage door but left car outside to clean it. Walked into the garage to get the stuff and there it was, big as life so to speak, but about dime size ish. Black oil. Let's back this up a bit. On Dec 7 I drove about 100 miles round trip, car show. Dec 11, drove about 75 miles round trip, another car show (these are tedious so I quit). So between Dec 7 and Dec 16, and between 1100 and 1300 on the odometer, something went down. I LOVE my car so I'll deal with it, but I'm calling the dealer Monday. I mean come on, it only has barely 1500 miles on it (NOT 15,000, for crying out loud). I DO check the oil regularly and there is always a drop or 2 that drips off the end when removing the dip stick (which I find easy to read btw). So maybe that's it? We shall see.

Could be oil off the stick, I am always careful and clean up any that may drip. But, if you just now noticed it, it may be something else. Please let us know what your Viper tech says. Sorry to hear this.

[Viper Granny]

This morning, nothing under there so far but still going to have it checked this week.

[swexlin]

This morning, nothing under there so far but still going to have it checked this week.

That's good. It's possible then that it was only drip after checking oil, but won't hurt to get it checked. I'm jealous of you being able to drive the car! Mine's been in the garage for over two weeks, and with winter here, could stay there for a while!

[AZTVR]

I guess that a pretty good concern would be that the oil filter is not tight and not seated adequately.

[swexlin]

Good thing to check yes. Viper Granny, check your filter. BTW, mine is tight and dry, so in my case, that's not it.

[esm_viper]

My passenger side front shock was replaced this weekend under warranty. There was a small puddle of oil behind the front tire and I figured I didn't tighten the oil filter enough. It happened again the next time I drove my car, this time I pulled the wheel off and the shock and spring were coated in oil. Might want to take a look at the shock.

[swexlin]

Thanks. A couple peeps have mentioned the shock as well - inspected it, and see nothing. That's what is so frustrating about mine - there is NO active drip. True, the cooler lines were seeping, but in my case seems to be different. I think Viper Granny's may just be a drip off the dipstick, at least I hope so.

It's almost like a Gremlin waits until I walk away from the car, opens a line long enough to drip, the closes it again and leaves! I believe next time I drive the car (which may be next week, or months, weather dependent) after I park it, I'm going to pop the hood, and stand there and wait, or at least check every 15 minutes, to see where it starts as the car cools.

I'm also going to check my motor mount, based on the suggestion of a member here.

[Viper Granny]

That's good. It's possible then that it was only drip after checking oil, but won't hurt to get it checked. I'm jealous of you being able to drive the car! Mine's been in the garage for over two weeks, and with winter here, could stay there for a while!
I've been checking under there all day, nada. I spent 50+ years in the ice and snow so I feel your pain.

[Steve M]

I've been checking under there all day, nada. I spent 50+ years in the ice and snow so I feel your pain.

Checking after having driven it, or has it just been sitting? I'd definitely drive it, and then let it sit and see what you find. Even if it is the oil cooler lines, they don't fail catastrophically, so you have time to address them (as in, you can still drive the car without worrying about blowing the engine...well, at least not because of that).

[swexlin]

Checking after having driven it, or has it just been sitting? I'd definitely drive it, and then let it sit and see what you find. Even if it is the oil cooler lines, they don't fail catastrophically, so you have time to address them (as in, you can still drive the car without worrying about blowing the engine...well, at least not because of that).

Agreed. Mine doesn't appear until the car cools after sitting for a few hours after being driven.

[mjorgensen]

Check the A/C lines at the compressor, we have fixed 3 such leaks on new deliveries. When they are replaced they will find the new replacement lines fit MUCH tighter than the one coming off. ;-)

[swexlin]

Check the A/C lines at the compressor, we have fixed 3 such leaks on new deliveries. When they are replaced they will find the new replacement lines fit MUCH tighter than the one coming off. ;-)

Thank you Mark, will take a look. Didn't realize they had oil in them. Still learning.

[Viper Granny]

Checking after having driven it, or has it just been sitting? I'd definitely drive it, and then let it sit and see what you find. Even if it is the oil cooler lines, they don't fail catastrophically, so you have time to address them (as in, you can still drive the car without worrying about blowing the engine...well, at least not because of that).

I drive it, shut it off, wait 5 minutes then check oil. It's going in to be looked at by the Viper tech on Monday the 26th. Will let you know the scoop.

[Viper Granny]

Agreed. Mine doesn't appear until the car cools after sitting for a few hours after being driven.

I drove it over 200 miles Saturday. No oil found underneath whatsoever so far. I'll drive it again this week, see what happens.

[Viper Granny]

Check the A/C lines at the compressor, we have fixed 3 such leaks on new deliveries. When they are replaced they will find the new replacement lines fit MUCH tighter than the one coming off. ;-)

Ok I'll give them this information on Monday. Thanks Mark.

[swexlin]

I drove it over 200 miles Saturday. No oil found underneath whatsoever so far. I'll drive it again this week, see what happens.

Good. I bet what was on your floor was dribbled oil from the stick. I hope!

[Viper Granny]

Great news, no oil leaks. The single small drop of oil had to be residual from either the oil change, or most likely, from cleaning my engine bay with a spray bottle at a car show. Duh.

[swexlin]

Great news, no oil leaks. The single small drop of oil had to be residual from either the oil change, or most likely, from cleaning my engine bay with a spray bottle at a car show. Duh.

Good to hear. I hope to get my car out this coming Saturday (for the first time in a month) as the weather is supposed to be reasonable. I'm gonna give it a good drive, and then carefully inspect every half-hour or so after I park it to see where it's coming from.

[ViperJon]

Good to hear. I hope to get my car out this coming Saturday (for the first time in a month) as the weather is supposed to be reasonable.

Me too! Good way to welcome in the new year.

[Jack B]

How are you going to put the sky back in place?




Great news, no oil leaks. The single small drop of oil had to be residual from either the oil change, or most likely, from cleaning my engine bay with a spray bottle at a car show. Duh.

The

[Viper Granny]

How are you going to put the sky back in place?















The

Very carefully, my friend, very carefully.