How to Fix an Oil Leak

Oil leaks usually require minor repairs, but are not to be taken lightly.

An oil leak is not something to take lightly. The first time you see oil has leaked from under your car, you need to park the car on a flat surface, jack it up and see if the leak is springing from the valve cover gasket or the oil pan.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench
• Flashlight
• 4 quarts oil
• Car jack
• Degreaser
• High-temp silicone sealant
• A drip pan

Instructions

Changing the valve cover gasket

1. Check the valve cover gasket(s), which is located at the top of the motor. You will be able to see oil streaks coming from the valve cover if it is the source of the leak. This is the most common source of oil leaks on automobiles with more than 30,000 miles.

2. Loosen the bolts and nuts holding the valve cover gasket to the engine block, and gently remove the cover. Remove the old gasket and clean the valve cover's rim so that the new gasket will remain in place.

3. Apply a high-temp silicone sealant to the rim and install the new valve cover gasket.

4. Use the degreaser to remove any grease or oil still stuck to the engine block.

Replacing the oil pan

1. Check under the car for holes or cracks between the oil line and the oil pan, or leaks from the oil pan gasket. If you see any see any obvious signs of leakage, you can use your high-temp silicone sealant to plug the hole. If the leak if bad enough, you'll need to replace the entire oil pan.

2. Loosen the bolts holding the oil pan in place, and gently pry it away from the gasket, making sure to tilt the oil pan to one side, allowing the oil inside to drain onto your drip pan.

3. Use the degreaser to remove any grease or oil remaining on the rim of the oil pan gasket, and apply a thin layer of the high-temp silicone sealant to the rim, or replace the gasket with a new one.

4. Press the new oil pan into place, and re-attach the bolts that hold it in place. Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• If the engine smokes badly it could mean that you simply have too much oil in the car, or that the engine has serious internal wear.

• If you can't pinpoint the source of the leak, use the degreaser to clean the entire engine--then the source will be easier to identify.

• Unless you are experienced with engine repair, any leaks or problems beyond the valve gasket or oil pan should be fixed by a professional.

References

• How to Find and Fix an Oil Leak
• Fixing Oil Leaks

Resources

• Valve cover gasket replacement
• Oil pan gasket replacement