How to Use Epoxy Putty to Fix an Oil Leak
by Michelle Norton
Cracks and holes in the oil pan become more common as a car ages, causing oil leaks. Instead of replacing the pan, epoxy can be used to fix the leak. Epoxy creates a steel-like bond on any material it adheres to after mixing. While other causes of oil leaks such as crankshaft seals and timing-chain cover problems need to be replaced, an oil pan leak that is fixed with epoxy may prevent you from having to replace the oil pan all together.
Step 1
Jack up the front of the car using the car jack.
Step 2
Place the drainage bucket under the drain plug in the oil pan. Remove the drain plug and allow all the oil to drain from the car.
Step 3
Remove the oil pan by using the socket wrench on the bolts securing the pan in place. Remove the oil pan gasket. Replace the gasket with a new one to make sure it does not leak oil.
Step 4
Clean the pan using degreaser to remove build up in the pan. Scrub the pan with rags and rinse with water until clean.
Step 5
Rough the area around the hole with sand paper both inside and outside of the pan.
Step 6
Mix the epoxy putty according to the manufacturer directions. The mixed putty should be shaped into a cylinder slightly larger than the hole in the pan.
Step 7
Press the putty through the hole in the pan until half squeezes through. Press the putty flat inside and outside of the pan so the hold is completely covered.
Step 8
Let the putty dry for 24-36 hours, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 9
Replace the oil pan gasket and install the oil pan back under the car using the bolts you removed in Step 3.
Step 10
Install the drain plug.
Step 11
Add new oil to the engine by placing the funnel in the oil tube and pouring the oil through the funnel. The amount and type of oil varies by type of vehicle.
References
Things You'll Need
- Oil
- Drainage bucket
- Shop rags
- Degreaser
- Epoxy putty
- Socket wrench
- Water
- Car jack
- Sand paper
- New oil pan gasket (optional)
- Funnel
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