Sudden oil loss when put in gear
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New Member
Joined: 04-25-2019
Posts: 21
From: Kansas City
Sudden oil loss when put in gear
2007 HHR LS 2.2L Manual Transmission
I was driving on the interstate when I had a sudden loss of umph. I could move forward, though it took effort, and for some reason would die whenever I hit the brakes or rolled to a stop. Was somehow able to make it back to my place thankfully there were large hills along my route allowing me to coast in neutral, green lights helped me maintain momentum.
While doing triage I noticed that there was barely any oil; it had apparently spewed out of the engine, soaking (among other things) the alternator and starter. I cleaned off both. Ended up having to replace the starter. Filled it with full synthetic. Started a bit rough (obviously) there was some ticking initially, but it went away after a few minutes and by the time it reached operating temp it was idling fine. Didn't see any leaks.
Different story when I put it in gear and started to move. Lost a good deal of oil pretty quick. I cleaned up the engine and it's been sitting for a few months, so I can't get much more descriptive than that. Unfortunately no pics either. It took me until now to get the resources together to tackle this job.
My question to the collective wisdom of the forum is this: Given the above symptoms, what am I dealing with? Blown head gasket?
I was driving on the interstate when I had a sudden loss of umph. I could move forward, though it took effort, and for some reason would die whenever I hit the brakes or rolled to a stop. Was somehow able to make it back to my place thankfully there were large hills along my route allowing me to coast in neutral, green lights helped me maintain momentum.
While doing triage I noticed that there was barely any oil; it had apparently spewed out of the engine, soaking (among other things) the alternator and starter. I cleaned off both. Ended up having to replace the starter. Filled it with full synthetic. Started a bit rough (obviously) there was some ticking initially, but it went away after a few minutes and by the time it reached operating temp it was idling fine. Didn't see any leaks.
Different story when I put it in gear and started to move. Lost a good deal of oil pretty quick. I cleaned up the engine and it's been sitting for a few months, so I can't get much more descriptive than that. Unfortunately no pics either. It took me until now to get the resources together to tackle this job.
My question to the collective wisdom of the forum is this: Given the above symptoms, what am I dealing with? Blown head gasket?
Last edited by veryspecialagent; May 23, 2024 at 07:57 PM. Reason: Cleaned up the formatting.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-27-2021
Posts: 570
From: Alabama
2007 HHR LS 2.2L Manual Transmission
I was driving on the interstate when I had a sudden loss of umph. I could move forward, though it took effort, and for some reason would die whenever I hit the brakes or rolled to a stop. Was somehow able to make it back to my place thankfully there were large hills along my route allowing me to coast in neutral, green lights helped me maintain momentum.
While doing triage I noticed that there was barely any oil; it had apparently spewed out of the engine, soaking (among other things) the alternator and starter. I cleaned off both. Ended up having to replace the starter. Filled it with full synthetic. Started a bit rough (obviously) there was some ticking initially, but it went away after a few minutes and by the time it reached operating temp it was idling fine. Didn't see any leaks.
Different story when I put it in gear and started to move. Lost a good deal of oil pretty quick. I cleaned up the engine and it's been sitting for a few months, so I can't get much more descriptive than that. Unfortunately no pics either. It took me until now to get the resources together to tackle this job.
My question to the collective wisdom of the forum is this: Given the above symptoms, what am I dealing with? Blown head gasket?
I was driving on the interstate when I had a sudden loss of umph. I could move forward, though it took effort, and for some reason would die whenever I hit the brakes or rolled to a stop. Was somehow able to make it back to my place thankfully there were large hills along my route allowing me to coast in neutral, green lights helped me maintain momentum.
While doing triage I noticed that there was barely any oil; it had apparently spewed out of the engine, soaking (among other things) the alternator and starter. I cleaned off both. Ended up having to replace the starter. Filled it with full synthetic. Started a bit rough (obviously) there was some ticking initially, but it went away after a few minutes and by the time it reached operating temp it was idling fine. Didn't see any leaks.
Different story when I put it in gear and started to move. Lost a good deal of oil pretty quick. I cleaned up the engine and it's been sitting for a few months, so I can't get much more descriptive than that. Unfortunately no pics either. It took me until now to get the resources together to tackle this job.
My question to the collective wisdom of the forum is this: Given the above symptoms, what am I dealing with? Blown head gasket?
Following….cause I have no idea on that one.
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I bet this happened soon after a oil filter change. Loose or broken filter cap.
Some 2007 models have an oil cooler that can leak.
Head gasket doesn't usually spew oil.
You didn't mention flashing lights on the dashboard? Probably seized the bearings.
Did you think to look for the leak location? oil flows down so the point above the leak would be dry.
I can't think of any source that would be dependent on being in gear.
Ticking on cold start that goes away is usually a clue that the timing chain is bad.
Some 2007 models have an oil cooler that can leak.
Head gasket doesn't usually spew oil.
You didn't mention flashing lights on the dashboard? Probably seized the bearings.
Did you think to look for the leak location? oil flows down so the point above the leak would be dry.
I can't think of any source that would be dependent on being in gear.
Ticking on cold start that goes away is usually a clue that the timing chain is bad.
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