Engine Oil Leaks
Engine Oil LeaksCAUTION: If an overnight drive is done, the fan air or road air blast can cause erroneous readings.
NOTE: When diagnosing engine oil leaks, the source and location of the leak must be positively identified prior to repair.
Prior to carrying out this procedure, clean all sealing surface areas with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.
Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
Use the UV Leak Detector Kit to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
1. Add 29.6 ml (1 ounce) of fluorescent additive to a minimum of 0.47L (1/2 quarts) and a maximum of 0.95L (1 quarts) engine oil and fill through the engine oil fill. If the oil is not premixed, the fluorescent additive will not have enough time to reach the crankcase, oil galleries and seal surfaces during this particular 15 minute test. The additive must be mixed with oil and added through the oil fill. Check the level on the oil level indicator to determine what amount of oil to premix. If it is in the middle of the crosshatch area or below the full mark, use 0.95L (1 quarts). If it is at the full mark, use 0.47L (1/2 quarts).
2. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using the UV Leak Detector Kit. A clear bright yellow or orange area will identify the leak. For extremely small leaks, several hours may be required for the leak to appear.
3. At the end of test, make sure the oil level is within the upper and lower oil indicator marks. Remove oil as necessary if it registers above the full mark.
Leakage Points - Underhood
Examine the following areas for oil leakage:
^ Valve cover gaskets
^ Intake manifold gaskets
^ Cylinder head gaskets
^ Oil bypass filter
^ Oil filter adapter
^ Engine front cover
^ Oil filter adapter and filter body
^ Oil level indicator tube connection
^ Oil pressure sensor
Leakage Points - Under Engine - With Vehicle on Hoist
Examine the following areas for oil leakage:
^ Oil pan gaskets
^ Oil pan sealer
^ Oil pan rear seal
^ Engine front cover gasket
^ Crankshaft front seal
^ Crankshaft rear seal
^ Crankshaft main bearing cap side bolts
^ Oil filter adapter and filter body
^ Oil cooler, if equipped
Leakage Points - With Transmission and Flywheel Removed
Examine the following areas for oil leakage:
^ Crankshaft rear seal
^ Rear main bearing cap parting line
^ Rear main bearing cap and seals
^ Flywheel mounting bolt holes (with flywheel installed)
^ Camshaft rear bearing covers or pipe plugs at the end of oil passages
Oil leaks at crimped seams in sheet metal parts and cracks in cast or stamped parts can be detected when using the dye method.