Repairing the Leak

Once the leak has been pinpointed and traced back to its source, the cause of the leak must be determined in order for it to be repaired properly. If a gasket is replaced, but the sealing flange is bent, the new gasket will not repair the leak. The bent flange must be repaired also. Before attempting to repair a leak, check to be sure that the following conditions are correct as they may cause a leak.

GASKET LEAKS Check for:
^ High fluid level or high oil pressure.
^ Plugged ventilation filter or valve.
^ Improperly tightened fasteners or dirty/damaged threads.
^ Warped flanges or sealing surface.
^ Scratches, burrs or other damage to the sealing surface.
^ Damaged or worn gasket.
^ Cracking or porosity of the component.
^ Improper sealant used, or no sealant where required.

SEAL LEAKS Check for:
^ High fluid level or high oil pressure.
^ Plugged ventilation filters, or valve.
^ Damaged seal bore (scratched, burred or nicked).
^ Damaged or worn seal.
^ Improper installation.
^ Cracks in component.
^ Shaft surface scratched, nicked or damaged.
^ Loose or worn bearing causing excess seal wear.