What is the solution for engine cylinder head oil leakage?
2 Answers
You need to go to a repair shop to check the oil leakage location. The specific repair method and cost can only be determined by the repair shop. Check for external oil leakage: Pay special attention to whether the oil seals at the front and rear of the crankshaft are leaking. A broken, damaged, or aged front crankshaft oil seal, or wear on the contact surface between the crankshaft pulley and the oil seal, can cause oil leakage at the front of the crankshaft. A broken or damaged rear crankshaft oil seal, or a too-small oil return hole in the rear main bearing cap causing restricted oil return, can lead to oil leakage at the rear of the crankshaft. Additionally, check whether the camshaft rear oil seal is leaking. If the oil seal is aged or broken, it should be replaced promptly. Furthermore, inspect all components of the engine lubrication system for any external leaks. Solutions for oil leakage at the front and rear oil seals: If oil is seeping from multiple locations such as the front and rear cylinder head covers, front and rear valve tappet chambers, oil filter, and oil pan gasket, but no obvious leakage point can be found, check the crankcase ventilation system. Clean the crankcase ventilation pipes, especially inspecting whether the PCV valve is malfunctioning due to carbon buildup and gumming. Poor crankcase ventilation can significantly increase the pressure inside the crankcase, leading to oil seepage in multiple areas. If oil leakage persists at the oil filter and some oil pipe joints after tightening, check whether the oil pressure is too high and whether the oil pressure relief valve is malfunctioning.
Last year, I had the engine cylinder head gasket oil leak repaired, and it was quite troublesome. The root cause might be the aging and cracking of the gasket, loose bolts, or deformation of the cylinder head surface. To fix it, the first step is to remove the cylinder head for inspection. If the gasket is damaged, replace it with a new one—don’t skimp on quality; opt for genuine or reputable brand parts. If the bolts are loose, torque them back to the correct specification as per the manual. Severe deformation may require resurfacing with specialized equipment or even replacing the entire cylinder head. From my experience, delaying repairs will only worsen the oil leak, potentially leading to engine overheating and more costly damage. Always have it fixed by a professional shop—they have the tools to test sealing integrity and torque accuracy. During routine maintenance, remember to visually inspect the cylinder head area to catch minor issues early and avoid breakdowns on the road.
