Engine Oil Leaks

Engine Oil Leaks

Material(s)






Component Test

NOTE: When diagnosing engine oil leaks, the source of the leak must be positively identified prior to repair. If the vehicle is driven extensively between adding the fluorescent additive and performing the leak test, fan air or wind can spread the leaking oil and make identifying the location of the leak difficult.

NOTE: Prior to carrying out this procedure, clean the cylinder block, cylinder heads, valve covers, oil pan and flywheel with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.

NOTE: Oil leaks at crimped seams in sheet metal parts and cracks in cast or stamped parts can be detected when using the dye method.

1. Add 29.6 ml (1 fl. oz) of gasoline engine oil dye to a minimum of 0.47 L (0.5 qt) and a maximum of 0.95 L (1 qt) engine oil and fill through the engine oil fill. Thoroughly premix the gasoline engine oil dye or it 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 well 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 0.95 L (1 qt). If it is at the full mark, use 0.47 L (0.5 qt).

2. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using a suitable 12 Volt UV (Ultra-violet) lamp and suitable fluorescent enhanced yellow tinted eye glasses. 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. 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.

4. Examine the following areas for oil leakage underhood:

- Valve cover gaskets
- Cylinder head gaskets
- Oil filter adapter
- Engine front cover
- Oil filter adapter and filter body
- Oil level indicator tube connection
- EOP (Engine Oil Pressure) switch
- Plugs at the end of oil passages

5. Examine the following areas for oil leakage under engine, with vehicle on hoist:

- Oil pan gaskets
- Oil pan sealer
- Engine front cover gasket/sealant
- Crankshaft front seal
- Crankshaft rear oil seal
- Oil filter adapter and filter body

6. Examine the following areas for oil leakage with transmission and flywheel removed:

- Crankshaft rear oil seal
- Crankshaft rear seal retainer
- Flexplate/flywheel mounting bolt holes (with flexplate/flywheel installed)
- Plugs at the end of oil passages

7. After leaks are repaired, clean remaining engine oil dye from serviced areas. Inspect all serviced areas for leaks using a suitable 12 Volt UV (Ultra-violet) lamp and suitable fluorescent enhanced yellow tinted eye glasses to ensure no traces of engine oil dye remain. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using a suitable 12 Volt UV (Ultra-violet) lamp and suitable fluorescent enhanced yellow tinted eye glasses to verify that all leaks have been repaired.