Why Does Engine Oil Spray Out from the Oil Filler Port?
2 Answers
It may be due to a damaged exhaust valve cover, preventing exhaust gases from escaping, resulting in excessive crankcase pressure. Below is an introduction to the causes of oil spraying: 1. Possible causes: Excessive clearance between the piston rings and cylinder walls, improper installation of piston rings, or deteriorated sealing can allow oil on the cylinder walls to enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning. Additionally, poor sealing performance of the valve seals, damage to the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, or clogged crankcase ventilation can increase crankcase pressure, causing oil to enter the cylinder with crankcase gases and participate in combustion. 2. Considerations when selecting engine oil: It is best to use multi-viscosity lubricants. Multi-grade lubricants (also known as multi-viscosity lubricants) exhibit the properties of light oil at low temperatures and heavy oil at high temperatures. In scenarios where multi-grade oils are recommended, a single multi-grade oil can replace multiple single-grade oils.
In all my years of repairing cars, I've seen quite a few cases of engine oil spraying out from the oil filler cap. The most common cause is excessive crankcase pressure. When piston rings wear out, compressed gases leak into the crankcase, and if the PCV valve gets clogged, the pressure has nowhere to escape except to force oil out through the filler opening. If not addressed promptly, oil can spray all over the engine compartment, contaminating seals and the ignition system, which can lead to engine slippage and overheating. I remember one client's car had this issue during a long trip—they pulled over to find oil spilled everywhere. An emergency inspection revealed that an overfilled oil pan worsened the situation. Regular maintenance, like checking oil levels and cleaning the PCV system, can significantly reduce such headaches. Otherwise, minor issues left unattended can double your repair costs.