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exhacker
12-30-2004, 09:34 AM
Ok. I bled my clutch the other day, and now after driving it for a day, there's a burning oil or burning plastic smell coming from somewhere under the TMIC. Also, I checked the oil and it didn't even register on the dipstick, so I had to fill it up. Am I burning oil?!? Ack!

Mulder
12-30-2004, 09:58 AM
You might have spilled some brake fluid onto some of the engine bits while bleeding the clutch and it's now burning off. When working with brake fluid it's always a good idea to wash the area down with lots of water afterward to get rid of any that spilled, due to its corrosive nature.
Just make sure that the bleeder and all the lines are tight and nothing is actually leaking.
As for your oil, did you check it with the engine cold, and on level ground? Checking at other times and/or on an incline can give false readings. It's best to always check the oil in the same place/time for consistency, preferably at home in the morning before starting the car.
If the engine does appear to be using oil, first look for external leaks. Measure the actual consumption rate to see if it is truly excessive or not- Subaru allows for up to 1 qt./1000 miles. If you are still under warranty you can have the dealer perform an oil consumption test where they will change the oil and have you return at specific intervals to check the level. If they find the usage to be higher than spec they will perform any needed repairs.

exhacker
12-30-2004, 10:02 AM
mulder, thanks that's so obvious now. I'll spray off the engine bay over lunch and give it a good what-for.