Just a random one this, was in a colleagues car this morning car sharing to work and the day before he had topped up his engine oil and it wasnt until when we arrived at work this morning that he had realised that he hadnt screwed back his engine cap on...

As a result, engine oil was everywhere under the bonnet and throughout the journey we could smell oil coming through the passenger air vents..

now what I need to know is... can engine oil vapourising through the vents in any way damage my health with around 40 mins of exposure and is this stuff flammable if contaminated with the rest of the engine parts??

I'm just a bit worried that's all as i'm sat here on my desk at work with an after taste of oil in the back of my throat.....:confused:

Get medical advice ASAP, better safe than sorry :(

Call me a cynic, but no you wont' be able to sue.l

Oh dear.

I have forgotton once to put my water cap on my Astra.

Seek medical advice.

On the other hand it may lubricate your insides for better penetration :eek:

Of course it's a good idea to seek medical advice, but on the other hand I don't think there are any great risks.

From Castrol's safety data sheet:

"EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE

Acute - (Evaluation based on components and/or similar products)

Eyes: Not expected to cause prolonged or significant eye irritation.

Skin: Not expected to cause prolonged or significant skin irritation.

Respiratory system: Harmful concentrations of mists/vapors are unlikely through customary handling or use of this product.

Ingestion: Low order of toxicity, but may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts may cause headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Chronic -

Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause skin drying, cracking, irritation, defatting and dermatitis.

WARNING! AVOID SKIN CONTACT WITH USED MOTOR OILS. Used motor oils have caused skin cancer in laboratory animals when repeatedly applied and left in place between applications."

And it's not very flammable (fire point above 450 F). Otherwise even small oil leaks should lead to MOT fail

make sure the owner gets the engine steam cleaned thoroughly to remove the oil leak residue

seen it done a few times at work , customer comes in complaining of a smell in the car , lol when you find the cap left off