Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL Petrol 54 reg - Oil in Air Filter Housing

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 4 Jun 2011 22:29
Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL Petrol 54 reg - Oil in Air Filter Housing - Cornish Lass

Hubby got his mum's car for a couple of days to do a service, and when he took cover off air filter, found a lot of engine oil in the housing and around the edge of the filter itself. He's dried it out and going to take it for a run to see if it happens again, as don't want to ruin a new filter, but any idea what might be causing it. Oil fill level is slightly over max, but never come across oil in the filter in a car before. Any advice appreciated, thanks!

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Sat 4 Jun 2011 23:36
Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL Petrol 54 reg - Oil in Air Filter Housing - unthrottled

Probably coming from the breather hose from the crankcase. If the car is used for short journeys then the raw petrol that blows past the piston rings isn't getting fully evaporated out of the oil causing the oil level to rise slightly. This is one case where an 'Italian tune-up' is fully justified! Tell you mother-in-law to put her foot down next time she drives the car to church!

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Sun 5 Jun 2011 01:12
Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL Petrol 54 reg - Oil in Air Filter Housing - Cornish Lass

Thanks - You're spot on as she never gets out of 3rd gear and does less than 2K a year! In fact, after looking at how clean the oil etc is, he won't bother to do a full service - he'll just thrash it down the local dual carriageway and back a couple of times. Mind you, for such a tiny little engine, it goes like a little rocket when given the chance!

Thanks again!

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Sun 5 Jun 2011 02:28
Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL Petrol 54 reg - Oil in Air Filter Housing - unthrottled

I would recommend an oil change. Operating the engine beloe designed operating temperature is hard on oil-and the engine.

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Sun 5 Jun 2011 11:24
Suzuki Alto 1.0 GL Petrol 54 reg - Oil in Air Filter Housing - Railroad.

Also it's possible that the continuous short journeys with a cold engine have taken their toll and the piston rings are carboned. This will lead to crankcase compression and consequently oil in the air filter. You could try using a oil flush immediately prior to changing the engine oil and filter, and see if that helps. If it doesn't you have two choices. Either an engine overhaul or live with it.

Short journeys are very bad for your engine's health....

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