AHA blew all of it's oil out of the bottom of the engine

[Cody Forbes]

I'm away from a PC so I can't remind myself of this, but does the AHA have the water cooled oil cooler that fits between the block and oil filter? If so those seals go bad ALL THE TIME. Replacement is cake, and just as simple as the seal itself and problem solved for another 10 years. If I'm right about the cooler type don't bother with more diagnostics, just replace the seal - if its not the problem currently it will be soon ;-).

If I'm wrong ill double check in ETKA from work tomorrow. 

As far as diagnostic to pinpoint the leak, I'd say put about 3/4 fill of oil in it, clean thoroughly, disable the fuel/ignition (unplug crank sensor), and have a somebody spin the engine on the starter. That should build 10-15psi of oil pressure and you should be able to watch for the leak. If not, plug the crank sensor (or whatever) back in and have them start it briefly. If you need to drain the oil to fix just drain in a clean container and re-use it. The 3/4 fill is so there's less to drain out. Don't forget to top up when done.

Are you running a winter oil? You might need to go for something thinner. A thick oil will build a TON of pressure when its that cold and overwhelm the pressure relief valve.

-Cody Forbes (mobile)

On Nov 30, 2014, at 5:06 PM, Chris Talley <talleycm at gmail.com> wrote:

> Well the AHA managed to blow all of it's oil of the bottom of the engine,
> and I need some feedback.
> 
> It had been relatively cold in the Pacific Northwest for a few days ( 0
> degrees with the windchill). I was warming up the car this morning without
> any problems and I go to leave, rev the engine a little and the engine
> sounds like it has no oil in the crankcase and the oil light is comes on.
> 
> I take a peek under the car and there is oil pouring out from the splash
> pan. I pulled the splash pan to investigate and it sure seemed to me that
> the source of the leak was the oil cooler/ block interface. There was some
> evidence that there may have been a small leak in this area for some time.
> My hypothesis is that the seal is broken but I am interested in others
> experience and opinions.
> 
> My hopefully not completely stupid questions are;
> 
> Is it likely my assessment is correct?
> Is there a way to test the hypothesis without removing the oil cooler and
> using a bunch of oil, and or damaging the engine?
> Is it wise/ acceptable to replace only the seal?
> Should anything else be replaced while I am in there?
> I am correct in thinking there is a thermostat and bypass for the oil
> cooler and it is not feed with oil until a certain temperature is achieved?
> 
> Thank you, Chris
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