How to Fix an Oil Leak

Oil leak in any case can be a dangerous sign for any driver. Oil leaks mean one of the components of the engine is running short of oil which is necessary for the lubrication of different parts. If parts are not lubricated well, there are chances that they will receive serious damage. Here in this article we will provide you assistance in replacing or repairing the oil leaks.

Tools Required

• Degreaser
• Silicone sealant
• New valve cover gasket
• Oil pan gasket
• Oil
• Flashlight or torch
• Jack
• Wrench (adjustable or socket)

Directions

Inspecting for Leaks

• Park you car on a flat surface and switch off the engine. Let the engine cool for sometime before starting your task.

• Lift the car up from the front side using the floor jack.

• Open the front hood and examine carefully the engine bay and oil pipelines for leaks.

• The leak might be traced in drain valve, valve cover or oil pan.

• If the leak is traced in oil lines, use heat resistant silicone to repair it temporarily.

• Examine the oil pan or oil pan gasket for cracks and leaks. You have to check the oil pan from under the car.

• If you want to repair the oil pan or any other part drain all the oil out.

Installing New Valve Cover Gasket

In most of the cases the oil leaks from the damage valve cover gasket. Excessive heat and other mechanical process reduce the life of the gasket and eventually it damages. You need to replace the worn out gasket with new valve cover gasket.

• Detach the spark plug and other hoses connected to the valve cover.

• Unfasten the bolts which are holding the cover. Keep those bolts at safe place.

• Take the valve cover out of the engine bay carefully. Remove the pieces of the gasket which are stuck to the engine bay. You can use the razor blade to remove those pieces.

• Remove any dust or pieces of worn out gasket from the surface of the rim so that new gasket will take it place properly.

• Take silicone sealant and apply the layer of it on the rim and attach the new gasket to the rim.

• Replace the valve cover back to the engine bay and clean the surroundings with the help of degreaser to remove grease or oil patches.

Installing New Oil Pan gasket

Sometimes the seal between oil line and oil gasket breaks down eventually results in the leak of oil. In that case you are required to change the old gasket with new oil pan gasket.

• Examine the oil pan and carefully look for the cracks or any other damage on its surface. If the cracks are minor you can repair them with the help of silicon but if cracks are big and cannot be repaired, replace the oil pan.

• Remove the oil pan from its place by unfasten the bolts. Take it out carefully.

• Take the old gasket out of the pan and scratch the edges of the pan off from dirt and pieces of worn out gasket. Use razor blade or non serrated knife for this purpose.

• Apply high resistant silicone sealant on the edges where new gasket will be attached. Place the new gasket carefully on its place. Re-install the oil pan back to its place properly.

• In the end take a new oil pack and refill the oil pan up to the required mark. Do not overfill. Take a short drive and again check for any leaks.

These are the few instructions to prevent the oil leak.