We have written many articles which detail various oil leak repairs. We have also dealt with a fair number of clients who get frustrated by having to bring their car back for what they perceive to be “the same issue”. Hence the need for this article. It describes the process we follow to locate and repair oil leaks.

We are not referring to simple leaks which can be identified visually such as from the oil sump. But rather, the more complex type which require a process of elimination to hone in on the root cause. This is particularly important for cars out of warranty or those which have done over 130,000 km’s.

Typically, engine oil leaks from any seal, 0-ring or gasket. These include the valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, rear crankshaft seal or oil sump gasket.

Our technicians always begin with a thorough visual inspection. We always start with leaks higher up in the engine.

We then ask our client to drive their vehicle for at least a week and we then do a re-inspection.

Simply put – manufacturers build products which are only designed to last for a defined time period. This is what is known as “built-in obsolescence”. In the case of engines, all the seals begin to go brittle and hard caused by heat and age. As this takes place so they begin to leak. Once the seals are replaced the oil pressure finds the next weakest seal and so it goes on.

The thing is, the seals don’t all fail at the same time and it’s impossible to predict where the next seal will spring a leak! This is why it takes a process.

The most important take away is – NEVER IGNORE AN OIL LEAK!

This action may end up saving you from having to fork out for costly repairs.