The technical condition of the internal combustion engine oil system indicates the need for repair of the power unit. In particular, many people wonder why oil is thrown out through the dipstick, thinking that the problem is in the oil system. In fact, everything is fine with it, but in this way it signals problems with the piston group. When such signs appear, it is necessary to think about a major engine overhaul. This is due to the fact that in fact the reason for the release of oil through the dipstick is an increase in pressure inside the crankcase. This occurs due to the fact that exhaust gases from the piston system penetrate into the crankcase. Mixing with the vapors of the heated lubricant, they create pressure, the oil negatively affects all components, oil seals and, accordingly, is squeezed out through the dipstick channel.
Many people think it's time to change the oil and flush the engine at the same time. But even oxidized lubricant is not squeezed out of the crankcase. This requires an increase in pressure, which only occurs when the piston group wears out. Let's take a closer look at why this happens and what methods will help eliminate the causes of oil squeezing out through the dipstick.
Why and why engine oil leaks from under the oil filter after replacing it
Incorrect installation of the filter element
The main reason for oil leakage from under the oil filter on a new engine is failure to comply with the torque limit requirements. The lubricant is pressed both when under-tightening and when over-tightening. In the first case, the rubber simply does not fulfill the task of sealing, since it is not clamped between the ends; in the second, its shape is deformed or the rubber product completely breaks.
Initially, they start from a less critical point of view: it is assumed that the filter element is not tightened enough. A component that is clamped to capacity will not rotate, but a component that is not tightened will make an extra 1/2-3/4 of a turn, which is sometimes quite enough. Among the icons on the side panel of the filter, another one is important; it requires you to lubricate its rubber ring with oil before installing the cleaning module. New or old - it doesn’t matter, the fact that the oil composition is located on the outer end of the seal is significant:
- The lubricant prevents the rubber product from cracking when tightened tightly.
- The viscous layer promotes a tight fit of the ring to the mating end on the cylinder block.
- A layer of emulsion between the rubber and metal prevents the ring from sticking to the engine body.
Low quality filter
Poor quality paper or a defective bypass valve in the purifier body creates noticeable resistance to the flow of oil, and it begins to look for alternative ways to exit the defective component. General advice is to ignore products from little-known manufacturers that have an affordable price, and beware of counterfeits of well-known brands.
Exceeding the recommended amount of lubricant in the engine crankcase
At a level above MAX, it is clear why oil leaks from under the engine oil filter. Due to the increase in pressure, even a small overflow of oil into the engine leads to squeezing it out through all kinds of oil seals. There is only one recommendation - to bleed off the excess volume as soon as possible.
Unsuitable oil
The optimal viscosity of the oil emulsion is calculated based on many factors, the main ones being the clearances in the cylinder-piston group and the ambient temperature. What the engineers calculated is displayed in the operating book in the form of a list of recommended viscosity characteristics of the composition.
Deviation in favor of unspecified viscous or liquid categories leads to leakage at the points where the sealing elements are attached. Choosing without taking into account the average winter temperature is also illiterate - in the cold the lubricant thickens and may not pass through the filter. In the event of a strong difference in summer and winter temperatures, it is useful to know how to heat the oil in the crankcase of a car engine.
Complying with the instructions is a surefire way to properly operate a car, but no one is safe from counterfeits. Fake lubricant can be squeezed out and the only way to identify the cause is to understand the differences between the canisters of the original and the “basement” product.
Why the engine is in oil: possible reasons
It becomes clear that for normal operation of the internal combustion engine, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of oil leaks in the engine as quickly as possible. At the same time, experts identify several such reasons.
Let us note right away that it is not always possible to quickly detect the location of the leak. Many parts and elements of attachments make it difficult to access for inspection, and the space in the engine compartment on many cars is very limited.
This means that if the engine is in oil and drops of fresh lubricant are visible under the car after parking, then it is highly advisable to drive the car into an inspection pit, lift it on a lift or drive onto an overpass. This approach will make it possible to inspect the engine both from above and from below. By the way, if there is engine protection, this element will need to be removed. So, the main causes of oil leaks are as follows:
- increase in engine oil level (overflow);
- using the wrong type of lubricant;
- problems with crankcase ventilation;
- oil leak from under the valve cover;
- oil leak in the distributor area;
- oil flows from under the oil filter;
- the oil pan is broken or cracked;
- The front/rear crankshaft oil seal is leaking;
Quite often, car owners who change the engine oil themselves accidentally (sometimes deliberately) exceed the lubrication level. The result is increased pressure in the lubrication system; excess oil is simply squeezed out through gaskets and seals (especially on older engines). In this case, you need to pump out excess oil from the engine.
Also, oil may leak if the engine is filled with too “liquid” or counterfeit lubricant (SAE viscosity is not suitable, oil properties do not correspond to the declared ones). In such a situation, the lubricant must be drained, after which the engine is washed and a proven, high-quality product that meets the tolerances and recommendations is filled.
It may also be necessary to make additional adjustments for individual operating conditions (constant operation of the engine under heavy loads at high speeds, extreme heat in the region, etc.).
Let us add that certain malfunctions also lead to an increase in the level of lubrication. Such breakdowns include fuel getting into the oil, as well as antifreeze or antifreeze from the cooling system. In this case, the lubricant loses its beneficial properties and liquefies, forming an emulsion. Often in this case, oil leaks through the engine seals also appear.
- The engine crankcase actually acts as an oil reservoir on many vehicles (except for dry sump systems). As the piston rings and CPG wear out of the combustion chamber, some of the exhaust gases escape into the boat. This leads to an increase in pressure.
This excess pressure must be compensated by the crankcase ventilation system. If the system does not work or does not work correctly, the exhaust gases “squeeze” the oil out of the crankcase. Often the driver may find that the entire engine is covered in oil, and the oil dipstick has been squeezed out.
- Valve covers most often leak due to failure of the valve cover gasket, as well as as a result of deformation or damage to the cover itself.
Depending on the problem, it is necessary to replace the cover with a new one or limit yourself to only replacing the valve cover gasket. The lid can also be sealed with a special sealant.
- On domestic cars, one of the most common places for oil leaks is the distributor. If oil leaks from under the distributor, in some cases the problem can be solved quite simply.
To do this, remove the cover from the distributor, then remove the device itself. Next, you need to apply sealant at the joint, after which assembly is performed in the reverse order.
- On many cars, oil leaks from under the oil filter. The reason may be improper tightening of the filter without a special wrench (the filter is under-tightened or twisted).
In the first case, the filter needs to be tightened; in the second case, the rubber sealing ring is deformed, as a result of which it is necessary to purchase another oil filter. Also, one should not rule out product defects, especially when it comes to the cheapest filters. It happens less often that the problem is not in the filter itself, but in the threaded seat. If the breakdown occurs in this area, repairs are necessary.
- Cracks and damage to the oil pan occur quite often, especially considering the operation of the car on domestic roads without the installation of additional engine protection.
As a rule, such a breakdown leads to intense leaks. In this case, it is necessary to replace the sump with a new one or repair the engine sump (weld the sump).
Repair operations are carried out only after dismantling the pallet. It is quite obvious that installing crankcase protection, although it does not completely eliminate it, significantly reduces the risks of such malfunctions.
- Quite often, drivers encounter such a nuisance when the crankshaft oil seal leaks. The power unit has two crankshaft oil seals (front oil seal PSKV and rear oil seal ZSKV).
As a rule, oil seals leak on engines with a mileage of 100 thousand km or more. and more. A sure sign of problems with oil seals on many cars is oil in the area where the timing belt is installed (front oil seal), as well as oil leaks in the area where the gearbox and engine meet (oil flows between the engine and gearbox), oil stains are visible under the car after parking (rear oil seal ).
Such a breakdown is serious and requires specialist intervention. It is not recommended to drive the car until it is repaired. For example, if the front oil seal leaks, oil can get onto the timing belt with all the ensuing consequences (belt slippage, breakage and bent valves). Leaks in the rear seal area can cause lubricant to leak onto the clutch elements. To replace the SSC, the gearbox must be removed.
Possible causes of fresh oil leaking from under the oil filter in the periods between its replacements
A healthy approach to changing lubricant involves deviating from the standard advice to change the composition every 15 thousand km. Naturally, in the direction of reducing the interval, and by a factor of two. Those who don’t do this often put up with a dirty filter element, from under which the emulsion is crushed.
Bypass valve
Any paper has the right to lose capacity. In this situation, a bypass valve provided in the engine or filter housing, which allows lubricant to flow into the engine without filtration, helps eliminate oil starvation. Build-up or aggressive flushing can exhaust the bypass system, slowing down or stopping its operation altogether. If the oil pressure light comes on and at the same time oil leaks are detected under the filter element, there is only one verdict - change the filter and clean/install a new bypass valve (if it is located separately from the purifier).
Related questions
A leak at the point where the filter is connected to the cylinder block occurs due to loss of throughput, excess inlet pressure, or a simple lack of quality contact between the rubber seal and the metal. By the way, the latter can happen due to a break in the thread on the fitting, which makes it impossible to tighten the component tightly.
Will oil leak if you unscrew the oil filter?
Lubricant will undoubtedly leak from the filter element. Due to the presence of shut-off valves, after completion of work the oil filter housing is filled with a lubricant in order to prevent oil starvation the next time the engine is started. When working on a cold engine, you will lose a minimum of volume:
- The liquid drains from the cylinder head into the crankcase within half an hour.
- The pan is always located below the purifier and the situation cannot change the laws of physics.
- Only what remains in the filter element housing will leak out + from the nearest oil channels.
How to distinguish a fake filter from the original
The general recommendation is to pay attention to the details of the markings and design of the case. Detailed differences between a non-certified product and the original are contained on the official websites of dealer companies. Another option is to take it from trusted places.
Summary
Diagnostics and recommendations on what exactly to do will help you find out why oil is leaking from under a newly installed oil filter:
- Does the lubricant level in the engine crankcase exceed the MAX mark on the dipstick? If yes, remove some of the liquid.
- Is the wiper housing tightly pulled to the cylinder block? No - tighten it 1/2-3/4 turn.
- Is the thread broken? Yes - the steps depend on the specific car: install a longer stud, install a new tip, cut a new one...
- Is the correct oil filled? No - replace the emulsion.
- Is the filter part too tight? If yes, it will not twist when significant force is applied. Unscrew the filter element and look at the seal - deformation and cracks are not allowed, otherwise only replacement.
- Is the component original and of high quality? No - replace.
If there is pressure on the lubricant and the oil pressure lamp is on, the filter is dirty and the bypass valve is clogged. On cars with an impressive mileage, the cause of the leak may be a faulty pressure relief valve. Both problems often manifest themselves during the interregulatory period.
During the operation of the car, a situation may arise when oil is squeezed out through the oil filter; the reason for this phenomenon can be quite different. As a result, regardless of the reason, a significant amount of lubricant is lost, and the operation of the power unit can be greatly complicated. Therefore, as soon as such a problem is discovered, it is necessary to stop the car as quickly as possible and take all measures to eliminate this problem.
Video “What to do if consumables leak”
You can learn how to solve the problem of leakage of consumables from this video.
I cleaned the throttle body not long ago, well, remember, there was a little oil in there! I thought, well, bullshit, nothing, this happens to everyone. But the fact is that specifically under the junction of the intake corrugation with the throttle body, I constantly have the engine and hoses in freshly squeezed oil! I thought, well, some kind of sensor or something else, I didn’t worry too much, I occasionally added a little oil, because the engine was dry everywhere, the spark plugs were normal and the car didn’t smoke and there were no other signs of oil consumption, so I just lived with it! But lately this question has begun to bother me, because the oil in my engine is expensive and good, and this is a costly matter. pour out the earth... In general, I decided to study this place in more detail, climbed under the hood and began to “scan”))) I looked at the throttle body, again the old picture and there is a lot of oil! Soooo, my father suggested that most likely this is the same system we need! Sensors everything is in a different place, no more pipes or anything else I found in this place, it means it’s definitely from the throttle! I remember in the winter here on the drive there were a lot of posts about oil being squeezed out from under the dipstick, about opening the hood in the cold, and there everything filled with oil, whatever. I answer, most likely, the crankcase ventilation is clogged or, as according to the manual, then “OIL FILTER SETTLEMENT PIPE”! In winter it freezes and at any moment when the required pressure is collected it can squeeze out the oil through the dipstick, throttle body and other “weak” points))) Even if the heat doesn’t put pressure on anything! I apologize if this seems complete nonsense, simpletony and similar nonsense to someone! The manual on the net showed which tubes go where!
I decided to take them apart, in the end, naturally, they had already taken them off, because the clamps were not original, but ordinary domestic ones))) Well, after reading a lot, I decided to blow into a tube)))) I blew, well, I blew so hard that the whole windshield and part of the engine the top tube was doused with so-called “mayonnaise”, I barely managed to remove my mouth)))
It was decided to remove and wash! Well, I unscrewed the clamps without much effort, it was very difficult to pull the tubes together, they stuck well))) Having removed it, I saw a painting in oil!
The main reasons for this problem
For experienced motorists with extensive driving experience, a situation where oil has been squeezed out through the oil filter may be due to the following:
- serious malfunction of the valve itself;
- large discrepancy between the viscosity of the lubricant and the characteristics of the power unit;
- weak fixation of the filter itself on the surface of the fitting;
- severe contamination of the filter surface, which made it difficult for the lubricant to pass through the filter paper;
- use of low-quality polymer-type sealant.
Consequences of untimely repairs
If everything is clear about the causes of the leak and how to fix the problem, then now it’s worth understanding the possible consequences. What are the consequences of untimely repairs? Everyone knows that without lubricant, an engine cannot operate normally. It will quickly overheat, causing many of its elements to fail. First of all, damage will affect the piston group and crankshaft, which will lead to metal shavings getting into the remaining oil. This will only aggravate the situation - the integrity of the sealing elements and various seals will be compromised.
Consequences of engine oil leakage
An increase in engine temperature can also lead to deformation of the cylinder head, which will entail more serious financial losses. If replacing damaged pistons is relatively cheap, repairing an engine with a deformed cylinder head will cost much more (in most cases it will be cheaper to buy a new engine).
List of main conditions causing oil filter leakage
- A very common reason is the squeezing out of the lubricant when starting the unit in winter. Under such conditions, the oil that has thickened in the cold is not capable of leaking through the membrane layers due to its structure. As a result, a jelly-like lubricant under strong pressure breaks through the layers of the membrane and flows out at the base through the thread channels.
- Incorrect operation of the oil pump, which at high speeds creates excess pressure, which can squeeze oil through all possible leaky areas. Very often the oil filter is the weakest point.
- In the case of using a brand of oils with increased oil viscosity in severe frost conditions. Such a mistake can occur either due to the inexperience of a novice motorist or as a result of purchasing a counterfeit product.
How to eliminate lubricant leakage through the filter
If the oil has been squeezed out through the oil filter and the cause has already been found, then you need to start eliminating the leak. To carry out repair work, you need to prepare a set of keys and some rags.
The entire repair process consists of the following activities:
- using keys, remove the timing belt cover;
- the auto valve plug is unscrewed;
- the spring is carefully removed;
- the valve is removed and checked for scoring or other types of mechanical damage;
How to fix the problem?
We figured out why fluid leaves the engine, now let's talk about how to solve this problem. Below we will discuss solutions to the most common faults. In all these cases, you will need a set of wrenches and a quality sealant.
If there is a leak from under the valve cover
If the oil leaks for this reason, then the problem can be solved on your own. This problem is one of the most common. To solve it, you need to:
- Open the hood and remove the valve cover.
- Wash it with acetone or kerosene, thoroughly wash away all traces of drips so that you can determine the result of the work.
- Take the sealant and coat the lid gasket well so that it fits tightly.
- After this, mount the cover in place and take a test drive. Check the result.
Leakage of consumables from under the valve cover
If it is leaking from under the oil filter
- Remove the filter element if oil leaks due to it.
- Visually assess its condition. Perhaps there are visible signs of mechanical damage on it or it is broken, resulting in a leak of consumables.
- If the filter really looks bad, then you should replace it with a new one.
- If everything is in order with the filter, then dismantle it and lubricate the rubber part of the element with a drop of MM, then install it in place. Tighten it tighter - usually after this the problem disappears.
Fluid leaking from the oil filter
If there is a leak from under the distributor
- Open the hood and remove the distributor cover. Mark or remember the location of the slider so that you can set it correctly later.
- Using a wrench, unscrew the mounting screws and remove the distributor itself.
- Take the sealant and coat the installation location of the device.
- Install the distributor into the installation location by aligning the slider.
If there is a problem with the crankcase
Leaking car sump
Sometimes, if oil has leaked from the engine due to a leak from the crankcase, installing a protection will help solve this problem. To do this you will need:
- Remove the pallet by unscrewing the screws securing it with a wrench.
- If mechanical damage is visible on the pallet, then it must be eliminated.
- Take a new pan gasket and coat it with sealant just in case.
- Reinstall the tray by tightening all screws.
How to choose a quality filter
Very often, oil leakage can occur due to the use of a low-quality filter.
In order not to buy a low-quality counterfeit, you must remember the following:
- When purchasing an oil filter, you should pay attention to the condition of the packaging. If there are signs of deformation and there are large holes in the case, then this is a sure sign of counterfeit.
- It is necessary to study the technical condition of the polymer sealing ring and the filter membrane. The height of the sealing ring should not be more than 0.8 mm. above the surface of the lid. A high-quality membrane should be free of irregularities and of the same color.
- You need to buy a filter only in certified auto stores that have official registration and a long period of operation.
- You should not chase cheap filters, since very often low-quality material is used for their manufacture, and they have a limited service life. By applying the above recommendations in practice, you can minimize the likelihood of purchasing a filter with low technical characteristics.
How to find a motor oil leak: available methods
As already mentioned, to find the location of the leak, the engine must be inspected from all sides. First of all, you should check the engine oil level. If the level is elevated, we find out the reason; if it is lowered, we bring it back to normal.
Often a severe leak will be indicated by a drop in the oil level over a short period of time. In such a situation, you should pay attention to the condition of the oil pan. It is possible that repair or replacement will be required.
If we talk about gaskets and seals, severe leaks through them are also possible, but are less common. But the oil can gradually leak out, leaving drops under the car or streaks on the internal combustion engine.
If you can't see where the lubricant is leaking from, talc can be sprinkled on potentially problematic areas to pinpoint the source. The method is simple and convenient, well suited for garage conditions. Next, you need to start the engine for 10 minutes. in idle mode or drive the car for 2-3 km. Then you need to inspect the areas previously covered with talc, identifying fresh oil on the white powder.
Finally, we note that many service stations practice adding a special dye to the oil. This dye is a fluorescent dye. Next, the engine is started, after which it is allowed to run at idle or it is suggested to drive 3-5 km. Then, using a fluorescent lamp, the internal combustion engine is carefully examined, identifying areas where the oil containing pigment glows.
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Signs of Oil Loss
Oil leaks from the engine occur for various reasons. Therefore, signs of loss of lubricant also manifest themselves in different ways.
The most common sign that immediately shows that there is a malfunction in the car is an oil slick in the area of the engine crankcase. It usually appears when the car is parked for a long time. That is why experienced motorists inspect the space under the bottom every morning, between the front wheels of the car. Even if a stain or a small puddle appears, it is not a fact that the engine is leaking. The leak sometimes occurs from the gearbox; there is also gear oil there.
The second main sign is a drop in the oil level, which can be seen on the dipstick. To do this, stop the car on level ground and wait 10–15 minutes for all the lubricant to flow into the engine crankcase. Having removed the dipstick, wipe it well with a rag, then reinsert it into the neck until it stops. If the lubricant level has dropped, you need to immediately find out the reason. It seems that there are no oil stains or smudges, but the lubricant is leaving. The fact is that motor fluid can not only leak, but also burn out while the engine is running. If you place the vehicle on an inspection hole, or drive onto an overpass, a visual inspection will help localize the problem.
Engine oil leak: how to find the cause
Let's start with the fact that the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine is closed. The lubricant circulates through special channels in the BC and cylinder head under a certain pressure, and oil is also supplied to some parts by splashing or by gravity.
At the same time, it is necessary to constantly maintain a strictly defined level of lubricant in the oil system, which should not be lower than the minimum or higher than the maximum. It is quite obvious that oil leakage from the engine is a serious malfunction, which in some cases can damage the power unit.
Next, we will look at what the driver should do if the engine is in oil, what is the cause of such a malfunction, and also how to find an oil leak from the engine in cases where it is not possible to quickly localize the problem area or element.
Causes of leaks
In order to fix the problem, you need to find out why the oil is leaking. The reasons may be different:
- Defective gaskets or seals. There are a lot of them in the engine - in the area of the gas distribution mechanism (GRM), cylinder head (cylinder head), oil filter, crankshaft, as well as other components of the power plant.
- Malfunction of the crankcase ventilation system. While the engine is running, some of the exhaust gases break through the oil scraper and compression rings into the crankcase. They create excess pressure on the engine oil. Thus, the lubricant can be squeezed out through the seals or gaskets, because some of them may not withstand such pressure.
- Poor quality oil fluid. Counterfeit motor fluid is often sold on the market under the guise of original fluid. It is quite difficult to recognize it, so car enthusiasts, especially inexperienced ones, often buy fakes. The operation of the engine leads to an increase in temperature to 250–300°C in the area of the cylinder-piston group. The counterfeit product loses its viscosity and liquefies. In this state, it leaks through the seals in large quantities. The same applies to waste - flowing through the piston rings, such “oil” burns along with the fuel. Fumes are indicated by the bluish color of the exhaust gases escaping from the exhaust pipe.
- Finally, the most common reason is damage to the oil pan during a trip. Sometimes objects come across under the bottom that can seriously damage the pallet. That's why some automakers, as well as many car owners, install additional protection on the crankcase.
Oil leaks through the dipstick if the crankcase ventilation system is not working properly
The design of the system allows exhaust gases to be removed from the crankcase through an oil separator and an air filter element. The first is necessary to separate oil particles that penetrate the system along with gases. The separated lubricant returns to the crankcase through the oil separator tube. A decrease in the throughput of the ventilation system can be caused by a clogged oil separator tube or suction ventilation manifold, as well as contamination of the filter element.
To return to its former capacity, it is necessary to replace the filter element or clean the oil separator tube. This can be done either with the help of specialists or independently. But it is worth mentioning that such measures are effective only if the technical condition of the piston group is satisfactory. If, after servicing the ventilation system, oil still presses through the dipstick, then the problem must be looked for in the piston group.
Crankshaft oil seals
If an oil puddle has formed under the car, you need to find out where the engine oil may be leaking from. One of the most likely paths is crankshaft oil seals that are damaged due to the use of low-quality engine oil or have exhausted their service life. The wear-resistant rubber from which they are made is also subject to aging - due to high temperatures, as well as aggressive external influences. Overheating of the motor, contamination, frequent use of flushing, poor lubrication - all this gradually destroys the material of the seals.
To replace them, you will have to do some serious work - disconnect the gearbox, rear-wheel drive driveshaft (if equipped), starter, clutch and other components. After replacement, all this will need to be installed back. Often, the crankshaft bearings are replaced along with the oil seals - so as not to disassemble the whole thing twice.
Filter gasket
When the engine lubricant is changed, the oil filter is also replaced. Before installing it in place, be sure to lubricate the rubber gasket with oil. This helps to screw the cleaning device more tightly to the engine body. If this is not done, which is sometimes carelessly forgotten, the gasket will be deformed when screwed in, which can lead to engine fluid leakage. Fixing this problem is quite simple. In most cases, it is enough to tighten the filter harder.
What problems arise from oil leaks?
It is important to understand that any leaks cause the engine oil level to drop. If there is insufficient lubrication in the engine, the loaded friction pairs are subject to severe wear. As a result, the engine life is noticeably reduced, and parts may break and jam.
Let us also note that normally, engine oil may well be consumed (waste consumption), but such consumption must be within certain limits determined by the engine manufacturer itself. If you add to this even a minor oil leak, then the risks of a critical decrease in pressure in the oil system and a drop in the lubricant level increase significantly.
Also, if there is a leak, the driver has to constantly monitor the lubrication level and add oil to the engine. At the same time, it is necessary to remember that for topping up you cannot use oils that do not meet the tolerances, mix products from different manufacturers, etc. To put it simply, you have to buy oil that is recommended by the engine manufacturer and is often not cheap.
Let us also add that oil leakage pollutes the engine and engine compartment. As a result, a thick layer of dust and dirt mixed with lubricant adheres to the motor. Such contamination is dangerous because heat exchange is disrupted, the load on the cooling system increases, and the engine may overheat.
Also, heavy oiling of the internal combustion engine can cause a fire. By the way, this layer of dirt and oil is difficult to remove from the engine surfaces (regular and thorough engine washing with Karcher, steam, etc. is required).
Separately, it should be taken into account that a leak can lead to oil accumulating in the spark plug wells. This leads to engine malfunctions, engine tripping, and misfires. Also, grease can damage the insulation of wires under the hood, get on the clutch, soften rubber cushions, seals, interact with plastic parts, etc.
Oil seals
These parts have another name - valve seals. The valves, which are part of the gas distribution mechanism, are located in the upper part of the cylinder head. To prevent oil from the intake and exhaust valves from entering the combustion chambers, valve stem seals are used. They are made from special rubber, but over time it loses its qualities. If at least one oil seal begins to leak, the lubricant enters the chambers, where it burns along with the fuel. Since the oil does not burn completely, various types of deposits form in the engine, accelerating its wear. Even if the lubricant mixture is of very high quality, it may not cope with so much carbon deposits. This phenomenon is often observed in engines with high mileage. How to fix an oil leak? Only by disassembling the cylinder head block and replacing all caps with new ones.
Common Causes
Let's look at the most common causes of the malfunction:
- damage to engine seals;
- violation of the tightness of the filter element (accompanied by the appearance of lubricating fluid in the area of the oil filter);
- a malfunction of the oil level sensor or a leak in the places where it is attached;
- breakdown of the intake manifold, in particular, its control system;
- using low-quality or incorrect (not meeting manufacturer's requirements) motor oil;
- overflow of lubricant;
- long periods of idle transport. If you do not operate the vehicle for a long time, then all the oil gradually drains into the oil pan, from where it will flow out, since all the oil seals will begin to crack due to inactivity;
- Excessive amount of gases in the crankcase caused by insufficient ventilation. Due to the fact that more and more exhaust gases will pass through the worn piston holes, all of them, accumulating in the crankcase cavity, begin to squeeze out the lubricant;
- Damage to the cylinder head gasket. This gasket can break through anywhere, causing oil to leak out of the engine. But if the integrity of the cylinder head gasket is damaged, the lubricant does not always flow out. It may get into the cooling system. This can be determined by the changed color of the antifreeze - it becomes more cloudy.
Common Causes of Engine Leaking
We have figured out the main causes of oil leakage. Now you need to determine where exactly the liquid is leaking from.
Piston rings
This is one of the most common causes of grease waste. If the piston rings are worn out or skewed due to the use of a poor-quality oil composition, the latter enters the combustion chambers.
The situation is very similar to a malfunction of the oil deflectors in the valves. Only here the lubricant leaks through a different route. The consequences are the same - blue smoke from the chimney, large excess consumption of lubricant, loss of engine power. In this case, sometimes flushing the engine helps - it decarbonizes the rings. If there is wear and tear, only engine overhaul will help, there are no other ways.
Consequences of oil leakage
If a problem has occurred with a leak of the lubricant mixture, it is absolutely impossible to delay repairs. The results can be devastating to the engine. For example, if you take damage to the BGC gasket, several unpleasant consequences occur at once, in addition to loss of oil. If liquid from the cooling system gets into the engine crankcase, everything can end with water hammer and jamming of the engine. Here you can’t get by with a major overhaul - you’ll have to completely change the engine. The same thing can happen if you damage the crankcase - engine fluid leaks out, but you drive without noticing it. As a result, the power plant will also fail.
Conclusion - monitor the oil level with a dipstick and check for leaks regularly. If the oil sensor on the dashboard is working, it should notify you of a problem in time. If not, you need to replace it with a new one.
Signs and causes of leaks
To deal with the problem, you need to know about its causes and symptoms. What are the signs to determine that oil is leaking from the engine? Engine fluid leakage is sometimes caused by clutch slippage. If engine fluid gets onto the intake manifold or exhaust pipe, you will notice unpleasant odors or see blue smoke coming from under the hood.
Oil stains due to fluid leakage from the engine
After the night, pay attention to the place where your vehicle was parked. Oil spots under the engine may indicate that oil has leaked from it and the problem needs to be addressed. The main sign is the nature of the oil stain. It will be either yellow or dark, and in appearance it will be a slippery and greasy stain.
In addition, another sign that fluid is leaking from the engine is its insufficient level. If the oil is completely squeezed out while driving or it leaves the engine while parked, then, of course, the level will be at its lowest. Therefore, drivers are recommended to check the engine fluid level before each vehicle operation. In addition, the instrument panel may indicate this problem. If the oil level is insufficient and it has partially leaked out, you will see a characteristic icon of a lack of fluid in the engine on the dashboard.
As for the reasons, they are discussed below:
- The intake manifold control system has failed.
- The engine fluid level sensor is not sealing - if a leak is observed in the area of the sensor.
- The filter element is not tight - if liquid flows into the oil filter area.
- Leaking motor seals.
- The wrong MM is loaded into the system. Sometimes car owners do not take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer regarding the choice of consumables. Of course, this should not be ignored. The fluid should be filled only with that specified by the manufacturer, as this is very important. The performance of consumables is affected by the additive package, chemical composition, and viscosity properties. Elements contained in the wrong oil can corrode the rubber components of the injection system, which can cause the oil to completely leak out of the car.
- Overflow of liquid. If you have poured too much consumables into the engine, this may cause an increase in the operating pressure of the MM. As a result of increased pressure, the level of load on the sealing elements along with the seals will increase. Accordingly, this may cause destruction of the structure.
- Transport has not been used for a long time. If your car’s engine does not heat up for twenty days, the liquid may drain into the oil pan, and all the sealing elements along with the seals will begin to dry out due to downtime.
- Insufficient crankcase ventilation. Every motorist knows that exhaust gases enter the crankcase through the pistons. The piston bores will allow more gases to pass through if the engine is quite old. When these gases collect in the crankcase, excessive pressure is created in the system. The ventilation system should reduce this pressure, but if its channels are clogged, then there can be no talk of any reduction in pressure. Accordingly, the pressure will squeeze out the consumables.
- The cylinder head gasket is broken. This sealing element can be damaged anywhere, causing liquid to leak out. However, if the gasket is broken, this does not mean that the liquid will come out. It can also leak into the cooling system if the part located between the cylinders and the cooling system is broken. In this case, everything can be understood by the color of the antifreeze - it will be more cloudy. In addition, the car will lose power, the coolant will constantly foam, and the engine will regularly overheat.