What Causes Large Vehicles to Leak Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Possible causes of engine oil leakage in vehicles include aging, damage, or failure of the bottom engine seals, or the engine bottom being scraped by rocks. Engine oil leakage leads to a reduction in oil levels, resulting in insufficient lubrication, accelerated internal engine wear, reduced engine lifespan, and in severe cases, may cause significant engine damage or even engine burnout. Solutions: Oil seals and gasket damage or aging: Replace with new sealing components. If the leakage persists, remove the shock absorber. If there is any sticking or uneven resistance, further inspect the gap between the piston and cylinder for excessive clearance, and check for any bending in the shock absorber piston rod. Valve stem seals: Valve stem seals prevent oil from entering the intake and exhaust pipes, which would lead to oil loss. They also prevent the leakage of the air-fuel mixture and exhaust gases, and stop engine oil from entering the combustion chamber. Most cases of "oil burning" are caused by faulty valve stem seals. Hazards of Oil Leakage: The amount of engine oil is closely related to vehicle performance. Insufficient oil can lead to bearing seizure, cylinder scoring, and in severe cases, crankshaft breakage and engine block damage. Excessive oil affects the vehicle's power and can cause oil carryover and burning. Therefore, engine oil should be added according to the standard specifications for the vehicle model.
Yesterday during the long-distance drive, my trailer was also leaking engine oil, which scared me into pulling over immediately. Oil leaks in heavy vehicles are no joke—common causes include aging or cracked oil pan gaskets, or oil seeping from a loosely tightened oil filter. Last time it happened to my vehicle, it was the front crankshaft oil seal leaking, with the pulley flinging oil stains everywhere. If oil is seeping from the engine side, it’s likely a faulty valve cover gasket. The worst is a leaking turbocharger pipe—if oil sprays onto the exhaust pipe, it can even produce smoke! If you spot a leak, first check the oil level with the dipstick. If the oil is dripping in a steady stream, don’t drive any further—lay down some cardboard and call a tow truck. During repairs, remind the mechanic to clean off all oil stains, or you won’t be able to distinguish old leaks from new ones next time.
