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Oil leak turning awkward color

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    Oil leak turning awkward color

    Hey all, 1987 325i M20, the car has had an excessive oil leak since I bought it (about 2 quarts/month), which probably won't be fixed til next spring. Lately when it rains, the oil stain will turn light brown as if the car had a head gasket leak. I shit a brick when I saw it but the coolant level is perfect and temp hasn't changed (a month ago I replaced t-stat, most coolant hoses, and flushed and filled w/new coolant etc).

    Oil on the dipstick looks fine. When the oil is dripping it's a dark brown color. It's only after rain that it turns light brown, but what I don't get is why it's never done this before. The last oil I used to top off the car was some shitty off brand 10w-40 at Chevron. I'm wondering does cheap oil deposit turn chocolate milk colored more readily than Castrol?

    Basically I'm 98% sure my car is okay but it would be nice to know why this happens. Any input would be great.


    it's a Kenny Powers quote on wheels

    #2
    So where is it turning light brown? When the oil is on the ground? Or is it turning light brown on the dipstick. If its on the ground, I would not worry because it is mixing with water and other misc crap on the ground. If the dipstick and coolant overflow are clean, inside the motor should be clean. Pop off the oil fill cap and look at the valve train, is it clean in there?

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      #3
      Yeah, it's the water from the rain.
      Interested in vintage cars? Ever thought about racing one? Info, photos, videos, and more can be found at www.michaelsvintageracing.com!

      Elva Courier build thread here!

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        #4
        2 quarts a month??? Has your bitch tube popped off entirely?

        (and yes, oil and water on the ground turn brown)

        t
        now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

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          #5
          ^ Yeah yeah the oil pan gasket is pretty much done. I was glad it was that instead of a cam seal until I read up on how to replace an oil pan gasket… sigh

          And thanks for the tips. Glad it decided to do this on my gf's parents' driveway :finger:


          it's a Kenny Powers quote on wheels

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