What to Do If Your Car Is Leaking Engine Oil?
1 Answers
If the valve cover is leaking oil, the valve cover gasket needs to be replaced. If the engine oil pan is leaking oil, it is caused by the aging of the oil pan gasket. In this case, the oil pan needs to be removed, the gasket replaced, and new sealant applied. If the oil drain plug of the oil pan is loose or damaged, it should be tightened or replaced. Below are some relevant details: 1. Valve Cover Gasket Leak: If you notice oil stains near the top of the engine, especially on the sides, it is likely due to the aging of the valve cover gasket, which significantly reduces its sealing ability, leading to oil leakage. This issue is relatively easy to fix—simply open the valve cover and replace the old gasket with a new one. 2. Aging Oil Drain Plug Washer: The contact surface between the oil drain plug and the oil pan cannot be perfectly smooth, so a washer is used to fill the gaps. If the washer ages, it will affect the seal, causing oil leakage. In this case, simply replace the washer. 3. Crankshaft Oil Seal Leak: After prolonged use of the engine, the rear oil seal may age (develop cracks at the lip), leading to oil leakage. In such cases, you should promptly visit the nearest repair shop for assistance. If the leak is severe, you may need to add some oil to the crankcase. Of course, it could also be due to a manufacturer issue, so the cause should be investigated. 4. Loose or Damaged Oil Pan Drain Plug: The oil drain plug is located at the bottom of the engine oil pan and is used to seal the oil inside. If the plug is damaged, oil leakage will naturally occur. In this case, simply replace the plug. If it is only loose, tightening it should suffice.
