I replaced the rear main seal myself as the oil was pouring out. Looked to me that the original seal was not installed properly. I bought the car used for $2500 so I couldn't expect much of it. That was 40,000 miles ago with no further issues.
Car began smelling like oil and leaking oil. Mechanic said it needed a new rear main seal. Also had a stuttering clutch on the manual transmission which could have been due to oil leaking on the clutch or maybe the stuttering ruined the rear main seal, chicken or egg.
USING A DIFFERENT OIL CHANGE BUSINESS, NOT THE SAME DEPENDABLE, OIL CHANGE GUYS I ALWAYS USED. I DID NOT USE A "NAPA" OIL FILTER. I FIND/FOUND OUT THAT "NAPA OIL FILTERS" ARE NOT CAR FRIENDLY/(or factory compatible) TO MAKE SURE THEIR "OIL SEAL RING", ON THE FILTER IS NOT EXACTLY IN THE SAME PLACE AS THE FACTORY OIL FILTER.
I CHANGED TO A "PUROLATOR", (aftermarket) WHEN I HAD MY OIL CHANGED, IN SCRANTON, PA. 18503 AT JACK WILLIAMS AUTO. AFTER BEING AROUND AND WORKING, AND RACING, AUTOMOBILES, AT POCONO DRAG LODGE, WIND GAP, AND GREAT MEADOWS,...I COME TO THE IDEA, IN TODAY"S TIMES..IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ENGINES AND AUTOMOBILES...ALWAYS RELY ON YOUR OWN GUT FEELING, AND (don't believe all the car-guys out there today)...(ONE CAN HARDLY AFFORD PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE TODAY, LET ALONE HAVE A NEW CAR DEALERSHIP DO MY TUNE-UPS, AND MAINTENANCE ON MY VEHICLE...HENCEFORTH WE ARE FORCED TO GO TO PLACES LIKE, PEP-BOYS, MONROE, MEINEKE, ETC..WHICH THESE PLACES ARE NOT, "AUTO SAVY" EITHER...(IT'S ALL ABOUT MONEY TODAY, NOT MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE..(ps..i apologize for making this such a long answer, but i feel, there are enough people out there to still have basic knowledge...just lacking money)
Update from Dec 24, 2017: DO NOT USE "NAPA" OIL REPLACEMENT/ AFTERMARKET OIL FILTERS ON THESE CHEVROLET VEHICLES..THEY LEAK. I USED PUROLATOR, AND OR ASK WHAT YOUR OIL CHANGE PEOPLE WHAT NAME BRAND, THEY USE....
Had Oil and Filter Changed July 4 2016. Vehicle Never had an oil leak before. A week after oil change engine oil was found under vehicle, on garage floor. Took vehicle back to oil changer, and "they tightened oil filter more". Still kept leaking wherever i went daily. 14,000 miles when this started...after keeping adding oil to engine, to prevent engine damage..i called GM, they sent me a "Global fixit situation diagnosis" to have it diagnosed at a dealer. Dealer wanted $100.00 to put up on lift to look at. (if problem was my doing)
I went back to where i had oil change, and said leaking oil again near, and around oil filter. "They put on a new oil filter" and filled to proper level. 1 day later engine starts leaking oil still again. 17,300 miles on engine now. Due for oil change.(according to oil change people) looking on internet for solutions..or recalls..I find a lot of 2013-2015 oil consumption (leaking) situations. oil sensor near back of engine running to front near filter. and a few others. oil pan gasket. but still no recalls..
I feel this to be a GM basic situation, under 5 year-60,000 mile warranty drive train warranty. i carry 2 quarts of Pennzoil 5-20 Dexos oil with me at all times so to keep engine filled to capacity with engine oil...purchased June 12 2013 to present still one owner..myself. "Any Suggestions",? Any mechanic tricks to make engine leak oil to bring in more work? bumper to bumper warranty ended..(Open for any suggestions)..full drive train warranty still in effect, but i do not think one should be at risk of paying for a situation of this nature.
Update from Feb 7, 2017: Today Is February 6 2017. Oil still leaking. I went online to General Motors Chat. The Person online in chat, told me that their is no General Motors Official, documentation of having this situation diagnosed by the 6 year/60,000 mile engine, drivetrain warranty for my 2013 1.2L chevrolet spark. This has to be paid for by myself, as was stated to me. This does not seem ethical or proper being i am still making monthly payments to the Ally Bank That the chevrolet dealership financed my vehicle with. "For the diagnosis".(to be placed up on a lift in dealership) Plus If it is my fault i pay for it.i took the vehicle back to original oil change business, where they put on a free oil filter for me. VEHICLE, DRIVEN 500 MILES MORE THAN ORIGINAL REPORT. THIS VEHICLE IS STILL LEAKING OIL.
Update from Jul 3, 2017: This 2013 Chevrolet spark 1.2liter now has 19,950 miles on it. July 1 2017 had it inspected. All vehicle is 90% good for inspection.The oil is still leaking from around the oil filter. I called Gm Hq. and asked once again if i could be give a free diagnostic from the local Chevrolet Dealership. I was told i had to pay the $100.00 fee to lift up the vehicle on the car-lift and check this out. If the dealer found this to be my fault, i have to pay..if for whatever reason, the dealer finds a flaw, fault, or a recall then and only then will i be reimbursed.
Update from Jul 3, 2017: July 3 2017, still waiting to see what dealer or i should do. Problem still not fixed. 5-20w dexos i carry with me to fill when needed.
Update from Jan 1, 2018: When having your oil changed. Do not use "NAPA" oil filters, as they are not a perfect fit for this 2013 chevrolet spark. I went to another after market oil change business..and they used a 'PUROLATOR" oil filter and the leak has stopped....PROBLEM SOLVED...IT IS IN THE AFTER-MARKET, OIL FILTER ITSELF. USE ANY BRAND OF OIL FILTER..DO NOT USE "NAPA" OIL FILTERS ON CHEVROLET SPARK.
- dean_hollenbeck,
Peckville, PA, US
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I replaced the rear main seal myself as the oil was pouring out. Looked to me that the original seal was not installed properly. I bought the car used for $2500 so I couldn't expect much of it. That was 40,000 miles ago with no further issues.
- boot, Patton, PA, US