Impact damage
The oil pan and its associated gasket are situated at the very bottom of the engine. Bumpy or uneven roads may scratch either one of these components, leading to a leak.
Natural wear and tear
The second reason is natural wear and tear. Located near the engine, it heats and cools a myriad of times. Metals expand and contract according to the surrounding temperature, causing the gasket to loosen over time.
In short, the more time you spend on the road, the more strain you put on it.
| Component | Lifespan (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Oil pan gasket | 5-10 years |
| Valve cover gasket | 5-10 years |
| Camshaft seals | 5-10 years |
| Crankshaft seals | 5-10 years |
| Faulty filter | 1-2 years |
| Broken seals | As needed |
Poor installation
The final cause of leaky oil pan gaskets can be improper installation. If even one bolt weren’t fastened properly, the seal wouldn’t hold. It results in a leak.
In addition, it is necessary that you use the proper sealant when replacing an old gasket. Failure to do so will lead to insufficient isolation.
Lastly, always ensure that the engine is perfectly clean when you perform the replacement. Otherwise, the dust and dirt may preclude you from tightening the bolts properly.
At the front of the passenger side
Damaged valve cover gasket
It is designed to keep the oil inside the engine. The valve cover gasket is one of the most common reasons behind leaks from the front passenger side. It is located on top of the engine, making it easy to spot. If it is covered in oil, it is the culprit behind the issue.
Broken turbocharger
The turbocharger compresses the air, which flows into the engine cylinder. It utilizes oil to reduce the heat and friction that would otherwise damage it. A faulty turbocharger is another cause behind leaks.
Faulty timing cover
The timing cover holds the oil inside the engine, which lubricates the timing chain. If worn out, the seal may be uncovered. The oil may flow out of the cover towards the front passenger side. Since it is localized so deep within the engine, we advise you to let a professional handle this problem rather than attempting to solve it on your own.
Poorly installed filter
Improperly installed oil filter is a very common reason behind leaks. It is because you tamper with it whenever you change the oil. Thus, there is a strong probability you reinstalled it incorrectly.
How to fix it
One means of bringing the dripping to a halt is by applying high-mileage oil or stop leak additive.
High-mileage oils are designed specifically for older vehicles and are much gentler to your engine components. Stop leak additives soften the car’s rubber seals and are most effective when the leak is still small and manageable. Bear in mind that it takes some time for the dripping to cease after you use the additive.
Assuming the additive has failed to work its wonders, or you merely do not wish to use it, there is a more personal way to tackle the issue.
First, make sure you are properly equipped. What you need is:
– a car jack
– four jack stands
– basic hand tools
– And a torque wrench.
Lift your vehicle using a jack.
Then, secure it at all four locations as depicted in your manual. Ensure the car is stable – you will have to crawl under it.
First, take a closer look at the oil pan.
If you notice any loose bolts, tighten them. Remember that how tightly you must secure the bolts and how you do so varies from model to model. Consult your car manual to find these details.
For your next step, move on to the timing belt cover.
Again, tighten the bolts if need be.
Continue on to the valve covers and ensure that no bolts are loose.
It is time to check if you’ve successfully fixed the leak.
Open the hood and inspect the oil level. Replenish it in case it is below the marked line. With your hood still open, turn on the engine. Take a look at the engine. A foul burning smell and potential smoke indicate that the leak is situated either in the oil gasket or the cap. If so, turn the engine off and wait for it to cool down. Then tighten the bolts on these two components as well. Repeat this entire step to double-check.
It is time for the final test if you haven’t detected anything out of the ordinary going on beneath the hood.
Park your car at any new location. After a while, check for any dark pools under it. None to be found? Congratulations, you have successfully fixed the leak! If the issue persists, one of the parts likely must be replaced. In this case, have your car checked by a professional as repairs of this caliber lie outside of your abilities.
Have you made sure there are no issues with the:
- Camshaft seals
- Crankshaft seals
- Valve cover gasket
