So, like the title says, my oil leaves the oil pan. Then it hides. Then after the engine is off for a while it comes back to the pan. Pretty sure it's hiding under the plenum, but also my lifters start rattling like crazy from no oil.
​​I need to know how and why it's happening. I pulled and cleaned under the plenum and valve covers, going to put it back together and try it again later today. ANY HELP APPRECIATED, just don't tell me to another truck/engine. It saved my family during Harvey so it gets what it needs.

 

What are you driving? What motor?

 

1999 Durango 5.2, 300,000+ miles.

 

Check the plenum first, just look down the throttle body. See oil pooling in there? That's a problem.

I would also do a dry/wet compression test. At that mileage, I wouldn't be surprised if the rings weren't shot. And yes, you can burn a great deal of oil, and NOT leave a smoke cloud.......

 

There is no oil in the plenum. The oil is pooling in the space under it. Not sure why, and that is what I need to know.

 

The space under it is the valley where you find the cam, lifters, pushrods, etc. There are MULTIPLE oil drain paths there, so, if the oil isn't making it back to the pan for a while, you need to pull the intake, and SEE why. It would have to be REALLY gunked up to trap oil though..... I would think the heads would be more likely for that kind of behavior, as there are fewer drain paths.

 

SO! I am more screwed than I was before. I finally got the rods, rockers, etc cleaned out, placed the Plenum back on, then started it without the valve covers on it. Sure enough, good clean oil! I was THRILLED. Then I put the covers back on it with new PCV and new Crankcase Air Filters, and know what? Now the OIL PUMP is not putting out. I think that when I drained the oil that was in it and replaced it, I washed some of the gunk down the engine and into the oil pan where it is blocking the pickup. Is there a way to clean the screen WITHOUT pulling the pan? I mean ANY ****ing way at all? I pulled the pan once, and I would rather shock my ***** with a taser than ever do that **** ever again. Is there some special tool or jig or ANYTHING???

 

Pull the drain plug, and flush some mineral spirits, or kerosene thru the engine. Do NOT start the engine with that stuff in there. Maybe put the plug back in, dump in a couple quarts of the solvent of your choice, leave it sit for a couple hour, then drain it out, and change the oil again.....