Possible to build an engine that never leaks oil?

My 89 S-10 4.3L V6 has 176,000 miles on it and neither the engine or transmission (both original) leak a drop. My 92 Ford Explorer only leaks a tiny little bit at 135K.

My 95 Geo Prizm never does at 176K/mi. It does burn about a quart every 3K miles though.

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Yes......it's possible...... not probable...... not plausible..........

but ..... definately.....definately....possible

it's a money tang.........

:)

~:~ marshmonster ~speed costs money..how fast you wanna you~ ~:~

Doc wrote in article ...

That's why Harley Davidson never built computers.....They couldn't figure a way to make them leak oil.......

Sure, 2-cycle engines for instance....

--scott

I had a Corolla at 187k that didn't leak until a little old lady in a huge pickup tore the engine compartment off. Then it started to leak a bit.

There are some Detroit diesel mechanics that might disagree with you.

I've never seen a high end Japanese car, leak anything

ALL Detroit Diesel mechanics would disagree with that :-p

Then you haven't looked close enough. Put 100k miles on ANYTHING, and you'll start to see oil weeping out various gaskets. It may not drip, but it will start to seep and accumulate dirt and grime.

Not on my car. No oil leaks out. Maybe into the cylinders a bit, but not out of the engine.

Of course, eventually, it will start leaking out.

Jeff

It is always a safe bet that it is impossible to build a car that will always do what we want it to and never do the things we don't want it to do. Like leak oil at some point in it's life.

I think the "high end" part is maybe one reason why...

You could build a car that gets 50mpg and seats 8, just don't expect it be sold for $19,999. You could build an engine that would make it 300,000 miles without leaking, just don't expect 100 hp/litre or a rebuilt shortblock being available for $999.

Ray

hell, even on cost no object designs they still leak. My Porsche (944) has some of the most mickey mouse oil seals you'd ever want to see. it does mark its territory, too; something is leaking at the front of the engine even though it supposedly got a full reseal at the last timing belt job. Yeah, I know, it's not like it's a Lamborghini or Ferrari, but still, the price Porsche charges you for parts it may as well be (but it's so much fun to drive that I suck it up and pay)

nate

OT, I know. First, I loved your reply above! And I know a few local Harley Davidson "restorers" (NOT me, as I happen to have no interest.) who would argue that HD's are designed to "drip" oil--onto the chain. They claim that when properly assembled and the drip mechanism properly adjusted--for the average "Joe" who buys one & knows nothing beyond start 'em and ride 'em--the leakage *must* be there, but at a liveable level. They also claim that they can be operated with the drip shut off IF the driver/rider remembers to turn it on periodically to oil the chain. The only alternative, according to them: the chain breaks on an oil-free motorcycle! sam

Yes. But you couldn't afford to buy it.

You haven't seen my weed-eater!!!

Sure, you can get rich if you simply build one that does not need gaskets or seals, good luck. LOL

mike