Causes of Oil Leakage





Modern car engines use engine oil to lubricate the internal moving parts - the crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, valve train, and pistons. To prevent oil leakage from such major engine parts and to avoid visiting car service station, manufacturers use a set of covers, seals, and gaskets.


With the usage of the car, engine gaskets as well as seals become hard and get easily cracked under the heat influence. With the appearance of such types of events, it becomes easy for oil to seep out and contaminate the surrounding surface or the exhaust system. In addition, left-out oil constantly burns there, forming smoke coming out from under the hood. 


Cause of malfunctions:


  1. Leakage from the oil pressure sensor


The oil pressure sensor is used to share information with the electronic control unit for transmission and engine systems, with a pressure indicator and a warning light on the dashboard.  The sensor works under the same pressure as the oil filter and may leak if malfunctioning. Generally, it is located under the oil filter and has one to two cable connection: 


  1. Leakage from under the valve cover


The valve cover is used to cover the valve train from splashing out. Most often, it's installed on the cylinder head with a gasket between them. Because of exposure to heat and with time, the gasket can easily become brittle, and the formation of cracks can appear, allowing the oil to leak out. In some cases, the cover fastening may loosen during operation, which can also lead to oil leakage. 


Most of the time, the leak is repaired by tightening the mount. If such a thing does not help, change the gasket with a new one. Such type of gasket breakage is a common issue because the head of the block is the top-most part of the motor that gets the most heat. 


  1. Leaking front main oil seal of the crankshaft of the engine


This type of oil seal is used at the front of the engine, which hermetically closes the outwardly projecting end of the crankshaft, which is joined to the front torsional vibration damper. Such a thing is often mounted on the polished part of the shaft and prevents the oil from leaking. Whenever the oil seals fail, oil begins to spray onto the engine front and its sump. Always use a flashlight to make sure it is flowing from there. If it doesn't work, change the oil seal to prevent visiting car service station


  1. Leaking timing chain


Such a cover is installed on engines with a timing chain drive. The cover is sealed against the oil leakage from the engine block with a gasket. If the gasket loses its properties because of heat or age, oil leakage may occur. 


Such types of leakage can be very challenging to determine because of the close location of the cover to the front crankshaft oil seal. While replacing the chain cover gasket, it is essential to replace the crankshaft oil seal.


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