BG-Auto: Ran over a Curb

[Cadsuane]

O-ring typically refers to a polyurethane rubber ring. A copper washer is a copper washer, not an o-ring. O-rings are used to seal up liquid systems like AC or cooling, not exhaust.

O-rings are also torus-shaped, whereas copper washers have a flat surface. They serve two different functions and are designed specifically to seal in a certain way.

It's not a washer though, and it's not copper. It's a steel ring surrounded by a thick fabric-like substance (fibreglass, maybe? it's been awhile) that fits in half-torus shaped depressions at the ends of exhaust pipe flanges, along with heat-resistant sealant. I agree, I wouldn't call a copper washer used to seal something like a banjo bolt an O-ring either. Maybe it's not correct to refer to an exhaust pipe seal as an O-ring though, I just remember calling them that in the garage because they were shaped like O's and used to seal things, much like rubber O-rings in liquid systems like you say.

[elison]

Go to AutoZone or O'Reilys and have them scan the MIL for you.

They don't charge anything for OBDII code readings.

[Melchiah]

It's not a washer though, and it's not copper. It's a steel ring surrounded by a thick fabric-like substance (fibreglass, maybe? it's been awhile) that fits in half-torus shaped depressions at the ends of exhaust pipe flanges, along with heat-resistant sealant. I agree, I wouldn't call a copper washer used to seal something like a banjo bolt an O-ring either. Maybe it's not correct to refer to an exhaust pipe seal as an O-ring though, I just remember calling them that in the garage because they were shaped like O's and used to seal things, much like rubber O-rings in liquid systems like you say.

Donut Gasket.

[Eanae]

I already had it scanned, and posted what the problems were. D:

Had a family member run a diagnostic, and its pretty much just a busted tail pipe. Also found a problem with the drive shaft sensor which explains preexisting problems.

The tail pipe is making it so one of the O2 sensors isnt getting any reading which is where the check engine light is coming on for.

[Cadsuane]

Donut Gasket.

Oh yeah.

[jinkazama]

O2 Sensor

[willriker]

I dunno who puts O-rings on devices that reach operating temperatures of 600-1000 F.

NASA

[Mojo]

Maybe someone can help me in this thread. My car has been smelling a bit like oil or gasoline for the last month. It might have had something to do with the carton of oil I had in my trunk. There was a jack back there that had a penchant for rambling around when I took sharp corners. I think it could have damaged the carton and thus oil fumes were escaping into the rest of my car. I removed it a few weeks ago and the smell has subsided, but it's certainly still there to a small extent. However, it has gotten cold, and this would cause any fumes leaking into my car from elsewhere to be less noticeable.

Also, the "maintenance required" light has been on for some time. It's not the check engine light, so taking it in to AutoZone will do no good (I tried, came up negative.) It's a 2001 Honda Civic, I think the light just comes on at certain mileages. Does anyone know how to get it to turn off?

[Melchiah]

NASA

Yeah, how'd that one work out again?

[Arvin]

learn to drive LOL

[willriker]

Also, the "maintenance required" light has been on for some time. It's not the check engine light, so taking it in to AutoZone will do no good (I tried, came up negative.) It's a 2001 Honda Civic, I think the light just comes on at certain mileages. Does anyone know how to get it to turn off?

This light is indeed diferant than the engine service required light. The maintenance required light does turn on during certain mileages. The manufacturer has it turn on at the specific mileages that they anticipate certain parts to require maintenance based on how the average driver uses a car. It will turn on when you are coming up on oil changes (3000 miles or so), when you will need brake service, when you should think about looking into a tune up. You know, things of that nature.

They problem i have with this light is that not only do all drivers, well, drive diferantly, but if you were to spend a few extra bucks on brakes you will find they last longer than the brakes they did these calculations for. If you take the car to the dealer with a mileage number the light turned on, they will look up what kind of maintenance you should think about.

By and large, i kind of hate this light. If you know even a little about cars, you eventualy come to the determination that this light is mearly another method for the car companies to sap money from you. You can change your own oil. You can change your own radiator fluid. You can top off the brake fluid. You can change your own brakes. But, because you have this damn light turn on... you are more inclined to bring the car to the dealer to see what is going on. Then you get hit with a dman 45 dollar oil change, that will only cost you 20 dollars to do yourself. I deem this a money making sceme. I dont like it very much at all.

I mean, if you notice your car is shifting a bit rougher than before, its a good idea to go and get your transmission serviced. When winter comes up, its a good idea to get your radiator fluid flushed/topped off. I dont need this damn light for that common sence maintenance stuff.


As for the oil smell, check around your engine and under your car. Also check the common sence things like making sure your gas cap is on, and tight. If you dont see any oil leaking on the ground, or somewhere on the engine, you probably hit the nail on the head with removing the damaged oil can. That is definately something to look into.

But, it has nothing to do with those damn maintenance light. Those maintenance lights, usualy, are not tied into any sensor on your car. It is not like your seat belt light, battery light, engine light. Not at all, it just turns on due to mileage... If you check your manual, or check one online, it will tell you how to turn it off.