Sudden Engine Oil Leak

[eddd]

Hi all,

Bought my used 05 Mazda3 2.0 back in April with 70k clicks. Been having a great time driving it since, no problems at all with the engine, just a few break related issues.

Last night I was driving my car around and didn't notice any problems at all. This morning, I started the car and noticed the engine oil light on. So I got out and opened the hood, and noticed a huge puddle of oil on the passenger side of the car right behind the wheel. I checked the oil dipstick and it was all dry.

I don't think it's a major engine problem as I was able to start the car a few times, didn't hear weird engine noises, and didn't drive it after the oil leak. I definitely didn't hear a blown engine bang. Haven't had a chance to tow it in to have it checked out today because most places are closed (to compensate boxing day being on a Saturday).

Any wild guesses what the problem might be? I've been told it could be the oil filter, plug, or pan.

[eddd]

Oh and I'm 2000km under a scheduled oil change.

[Thrizzl3]

check to see if there is any cracks in the oil pan

[eddd]

Not that I can see, it's a bit dark now.

I should also mention that the puddle was not there before I started the engine. So it's a sudden leak when I started it.

Cracked oil pan would be a continuous overnight leak? No?

[W_L89]

u notice any drips prior to the huge puddle/ engine oil light going on? could be person who changed your oil last overtightened your drain plug causing the gasket to be stretched out.

[Thrizzl3]

probably a leak in the seal..

[W_L89]

also is your oil filter tight/ still on the car?

[eddd]

Didn't notice any small drips or the engine light on prior to today. I had my last oil change 2-3k clicks ago, I would hope it's not a crappy oil change job.

[aris]

Your going to have to take off the plastic cover underneath and take a truoble light and start looking where the oil came from..this is what i would do

[CanSpeed 3]

What are the chances the block has a crack in it?

I guess what you could do if you wanted to find the problem yourself would be - Remove plastic cover, Find area covered in oil. Take a soapy cloth and remove/clean areas untill you can trace the leak to one area.

Check oil filter and drain plug, either one of them could be only finger tight. If it didnt leak oil untill you started it then it must be a pressure problem somewhere like a hose. But i dont know to much about our bottom ends:bang

[TheMAN]

soap & water don't really work well for cleaning oils