Most oil leaks are located easily and repaired by visually
finding the leak and replacing or repairing the necessary parts. On some occasions,
a fluid leak may be difficult to locate or repair. The following procedure
may help in locating and repairing most oil leaks.
Finding the Leak
- Identify the fluid. Determine whether it is engine oil, automatic
transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
- From what area is the fluid leaking? After running the vehicle
at normal operating temperature, park the vehicle over a large sheet of paper.
After a few minutes, you should be able to find the approximate location of
the leak by the dripping on the paper.
- Visually check around the suspected component.
- Check around all gasket mating surfaces for leaks.
- Use a mirror to find leaks in areas that are hard to reach.
- If the leak still cannot be found, it may be necessary to clean
the suspected areas with a degreaser, steam, or spray solvent.
- Clean and dry the area.
- Operate the vehicle for several miles at normal temperature and
varying speeds.
- After operating the vehicle, visually check the suspected component.
- If you still cannot locate the leak, try using the powder or
black light and dye method.
Powder Method
- Clean the suspected area.
- Apply an aerosol-type powder to the suspected area.
- Operate the vehicle under normal operating conditions.
- Visually inspect the suspected component. You should be able to
trace the leak path over the white powder surface to the source.
Black Light and Dye Method
- Pour a specified amount of dye into the leaking component.
- Operate the vehicle under normal conditions, following the directions
in the kit.
- Direct the light toward the suspected area. The dyed fluid will
appear as a yellow path leading to the source.
Repair the Leak
Once the leak has been pinpointed back to its source, the cause of the
leak must be determined. If a gasket is replaced, but the sealing flange is
bent, the new gasket will not repair the leak. The bent flange must be repaired
also. Before attempting to repair a leak, make sure the following conditions
are corrected.
Gasket Leaks
| • | Check for high fluid or high oil pressure. |
| • | Check for a plugged crankcase ventilation filter or PCV valve. |
| • | Check for improperly tightened fasteners or dirty/damaged threads. |
| • | Check for warped flanges or sealing surfaces. |
| • | Check for scratches, burrs, or others damage to the sealing surface. |
| • | Check for a damaged or worn gasket. |
| • | Check for cracks or porosity of the component. |
| • | Check for improper sealant used or no sealant where required. |
Seal Leaks
| • | Check for high fluid level or high oil pressure. |
| • | Check for a plugged crankcase ventilation filter or PCV valve. |
| • | Check for a damaged or worn seal. |
| • | Check for improper installation. |
| • | Check for cracks in the component. |
| • | Check for shaft surface scratches, nicks or damage. |
| • | Check for a loose or worn bearing causing excessive seal wear. |
