Roygarth

In traffic at weekend. 100 yard gap in front of me. Accelerated hard put in neutral drifted to a stop. As I stopped a plume of smoke came forward over car it smelt oily (I think). I'm not sure but since cat removed 2000 miles ago I think I have smelt this oily smell.

I am worried! Car has used no oil since last oil change 2000 miles ago and I can see no leaks.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks in advance!

Piers
1990 C4 Coupe 50,000 miles

horst

Roygarth, I also have a 90C4 with 50K miles. Have you checked the obvious, ie possible oil overfill? Level should read 1/2 between marks when car is sitting level, oil hot. Secondly, make sure the undertray is off, and look closely. I'll bet there is oil in the tray, it it was on, or seeping from the usual places. Also look at the top of the engine. A common leaker is the o ring on the oil temp gauge. There have been lots of posts on this, check archives.

Roygarth

Horst

Is the 'undertray' the thing (black plastic running length of car)) I can see underneath engine which I watched mechanic remove when geometary was done recently?

Many thanks
Piers

horst

Yes, but no need to remove the thing the whole length of the car- just the large piece under the engine. Held in place wit 10 or so 10mm bolts, several plastic nuts, and one steel 10mm nut about in the middle of the back.also 2 phillips screws on each side. easy to get off. Suggest you jack it up and put jack stands under the rear shock. If have access to a lift so much the better. When you get it off, leave it off. Next time you need to get under, just put a piece of carpet on the pad of a floor jack, and jack the whole rear up at once, putting the jack under the middle of the engine.