I've been changing oil and filters on cars for 40 years and never had anything like this happen. I bought a used plymouth acclaim about a year ago and changed oil and filter a couple of times as it isn't driven a lot. Today after I drained the oil and replaced the filter the oil filler cap started slipping like a locking gas cap and the top part finally popped off. I put a funnel in and then realized the actual cap was still screwed in and unscrewed cap with pliers and added 5 quarts of oil. I cranked the engine and looked under the car for leaks and then let car idle, I noticed a little smoke from around the back of the engine below the valve cover but figured I spilled a little oil which I figured would burn off in a few minutes. After about 5 minutes I shut the engine off to check the oil with the dipstick. To my surprise there was no oil on the dipstick, I checked again but no oil. Moved vehicle and checked for leaks on grass and there was no leaks. It was getting dark so I will check it out tomorrow. My question is where is the oil, maybe pooled up in the valve area, but wouldn't this cause the oil light to come on or valve chatter or other abnormal sounds. TIA
- posted
20 years ago