Just a heads up to maybe save someone else a bunch of grief .....
changed the oil in my 99 Vitara the other day. As I have about 20 times before, I bought valvoline 10/40 oil. driving the next day, I noticed the smell of oil burning on the exhaust pipe. looking under the car, I see oil dripping down everywhere. I discover the rear main seal, front seal, oil pan gasket, and valve covers are all leaking.
dumped the oil and changed the filter and found the gasket for it swollen and soft.
I guess valvoline has put some additive in the oil that is incompatible with the seals and gaskets. Contacted valvoline, have yet to hear back. This really sucks. wish these companies would leave a product alone.
Alex
