Troubleshoot Leaking Oil
Oil leaks are commonplace among car owners. Most of the time, the problem is something minor and easy to fix. Leaking oil, however, could be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your car's engine. Here are some basic guidelines for troubleshooting leaking oil before bringing in the professionals.
Steps
- Check your oil. Take out the dipstick, which will be red, orange, or yellow. You should not need to remove the oil cap itself to check the dipstick. Wipe off any oil with a rag or paper towel so you can see the mark that indicates the proper oil level. "Dip" the stick into the oil reservoir and then take it back out. Look to see if the oil on the stick reaches the oil level mark.
- It is ideal to check your oil once a week.
- Add oil if the crankcase is low or empty. Continue checking every 30 minutes. Rapidly leaking oil could mean there is a hole in your oil pan.
- Use a fluorescent leak detection system. The combination of an ultraviolet (UV) or blue light and fluorescent dyes allows you to find small oil leaks. Add the dye to your oil reservoir and let your engine idle for 10 minutes. With the overhead lights off, shine the fluorescent light over your engine. Glowing areas indicate leaks.
- Consider "steam cleaning" your engine to make it easier to spot oil leaks. Wrap packing cellophane around the connectors, sensors and wiring harnesses and secure with duct tape. Spray degreaser on your engine, chassis and suspension and let sit for the time specified in the instructions. Using a steam cleaner, eliminate any grease or hardened dirt. Dry electrical components and sensors with compressed air.
- Apply a thin coating of talcum powder around the engine. Drive your car for about 15 minutes. If there is oil on the surface, it will appear in the powder, allowing you to see its point of origin.
- Look for multiple leaks. Multiple oil leaks can be present due to natural wear of the seals used to retain the oil. It is not uncommon for valve cover gaskets, cam seals, and oil pan gaskets leak at the same time. All the rubber seals that retain fluid on an engine are exposed to the same heating and cooling of the engine, and may fail one at a time or all together.
Tips
- Fluorescent leak detection systems are available at most auto parts stores.
- The best time to check your oil is after your engine has not been running for 10 minutes (when it's cold).
- There are leaks and seeps. A leak is a steady drip that can be seen while the engine is on or off. A seep is a slow leak that, over a long period of time, allows oil to escape the seals. Typically all engines will eventually seep oil. Seeps are monitored to determine how severe a potential leak can be. If you see a steady drip or consistent puddles under your vehicle, stop driving it and have a professional provide a thorough inspection to prevent any damage to the engine.
- Fluorescent dyes remain in your car's system so you can recheck for leaking oil if necessary.
- Steam cleaner pressure washers can be rented at most home improvement stores.
- Use a degreaser that is safe for plastic and silicone.
- Place clean dry cardboard under the car to determine whether your car is leaking oil, or if oil spots were already on the ground.
Warnings
- Do not drive your car if the oil light goes on.
Things You'll Need
- Rags or paper towels
- Fluorescent dyes
- Ultraviolet or blue light
- Talcum powder
- Silicone tape
- Steam cleaner
- Degreaser
- Cellophane
- Duct tape
- Compressed air
