Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > Consumer Assistance > Question

What Could Cause Gas To Collect In My Oil Pan?

Hi. My engine wouldn't crank so I replaced the starter. The engine runs now but I just noticed that there is a ton of gas in the oil pan. I have no clue what would cause this. Any ideas??? Thanks.
Answer:

Two things you should look into... either there is a PCV fault or bad injector lower O-rings. The PCV (positive crank ventilation) system is designed to allow the engine crankcase to breathe. It takes crankcase fumes and returns them to the intake manifold. The PCV valve is in place to not allow the revere of this flow to happen. In other words, the valve is supposed to stop intake manifold air/fuel mixture to flow to the crankcase, and only allow crankcase fumes to floe to the manifold. A defective PCV valve (easy to replace and inexpensive part) will let air/fuel mixture to seep past the valve and into the crankcase and ultimately, oil pan. The second fault can be defective lower fuel injector rings. The lower rings are supposed to separate the engine cylinders from the injectors and injector fuel rail; only allowing fuel to enter the cylinder directly and not to any oil passages. Replacing the O-rings is costlier than replacing the PCV valve. We recommend inspecting the PCV system first. posted by SmogTips Support

Related PCV Valve questions and answers you might find useful:

Can I Modify The Engine On An Older Smog Exempt Vehicle? by Tim

Ford Taurus SE Failed Smog Check Monitors Not Ready by Mike

1982 Chevy Caprice High HC and CO Flipping at Idle by Aaron

How Can I Lower NO on my Jeep Cherokee Laredo? by timothy

Infiniti G20 High HC and CO During Smog Test by Michael

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile