From the moment you get your driver’s license to the moment you stop driving, you’ll see a lot of different issues. They range from everything, including dents, to perhaps finding cockroaches.
However, those are not the subjects we’ll talk about today.
Summary
The most common reason a car engine is leaking oil issues with the oil filter. To fix a car engine that’s leaking oil, you will need to either replace the filter or ensure its proper installation.
Here is a list of the topics we’ll be going through:
- Reasons your car and engine are leaking oil
- Dangers and threats of dripping
- It’s happening from the front
- Leaking when parked
- On the right side of the engine
- The engine blew everywhere.
Reasons your car and engine are leaking oil
Acquainting yourself with the common causes of leaks is crucial, especially if your vehicle suffers from this problem. It may occur in various locations, and the associated repair costs differ depending on which part is the source.
Consider issues with these components:
- Oil pan gasket
- Valve cover gasket
- Camshaft seals
- Crankshaft seals
- Faulty filter
- Broken seals
Oil pan gasket
It’s located beneath the car engine. The oil pan gasket forms a seal between the engine and the pan. A faulty gasket provides insufficient isolation between the two and is one of the common causes your car may be dripping.
Valve cover gasket
A valve cover is designed to protect the parts found within the cylinder. The gasket acts as a seal between the two, and you may find it on top of your engine. This is also where the leak is most prevalent, in case this component is damaged.
Timing cover gasket
Most commonly found in vehicles that sport a timing chain rather than a belt, this gasket ensures the oil does not drip out from the timing cover. There, it lubricates the chain so that it moves smoothly. Leaks located anywhere from the center up to the front of the engine indicate that either the gasket or the cover is due for a replacement.
Camshaft seals
Contrary to the timing cover gasket, camshaft seals are widely used in vehicles sporting a timing belt. Camshafts are situated within the engine, and most cars have two or more. The seal covers the end of each camshaft. If damaged, you can expect to find the dripping at the back of the engine just under the valve cover. A burning smell often accompanies this particular leak.
Crankshaft seals
Like camshafts, the crankshaft can be found inside the engine, which sticks out from both ends. Seals also cover these ends to prevent the oil from spilling out. If these seals leak, you will likely see pools beneath the engine. In case of a particularly severe leak, it might drip to the front of the engine.
Dangers and threats of dripping
While pools in your garage can at most stain your floor, it hurts the environment when it happens outside. It contains several toxic substances that harm both animal and plant life. In addition, its carbon-rich nature makes it highly flammable. Do not drive your car in this state unless it is an emergency.
It’s happening from the front
If you find pools of black sludge under the front of your car, it likely means that your oil pan or gasket is degraded and in need of replacement. Sometimes, tightening the bolts will suffice. Apart from these two components, we recommend checking the valve cover gaskets and timing cover seals located under the hoods of your car.
Leaking when parked
There are numerous reasons why your car may leak when parked. Most of them have to do with loose or broken gaskets and seals throughout the engine, so it is important to check them all before you can fix them.
Damaged oil pan or pan gasket
The oil pan and gasket sit on the underside of your vehicle. Therefore, they may easily be damaged when you drive on poorly constructed roads or through areas with many potholes.
Faulty filter
Any damage to the filter will naturally result in the dripping out of the car. It is especially common, given that you must remove it every time you change the oil. Improper reinstallation is one of the most prevalent reasons your car might leak oil.
Broken seals
Various seals have been invented to minimize the possibility of oil leaks. However, the constant heating and cooling cycles mean they expand and contract over and over again. Thus, they become loose with time. They can be found at the valve cover, timing cover, crankshaft, and camshafts.
| Issue | Repair/replacement cost |
| Oil pan gasket | $400-$500 |
| Valve cover gasket | $100-$350 |
| Camshaft seals | $500-700 |
| Crankshaft seals | $300-$400 |
| Faulty filter | $20-$85 |
| Broken seals | $75-$150 |
On the right side of the engine
Oil dripping from the right side of your engine is somewhat rare. If it did happen, the issue most likely lies in your head gasket. It can be found on top, between the engine block and the cylinder head. Its purpose is to keep the combustion gases within the cylinders. At the same time, it keeps the coolant and engine oil out.
The engine blew everywhere.
Oil eruption is a messy and unpleasant issue. Various components may be at fault:
A loose or broken valve cover gasket
Like all the gaskets found in engines, a valve cover gasket keeps the oil in the cover. If loose or broken, the oil may get out. And because it is on top of the engine, it will spill over it as it escapes the cover. Replacing this gasket should fix the issue.
A loose or broken cap
In case the cap on the oil filler tube has fallen off, torrents of oil will spill everywhere. The same fate befalls your engine if the cap is cracked, although to a lesser extent. Once again, replacement should do the trick.
Too much in the reservoir
Always refill only up to the marked line. There is only so much your car needs to function properly. If you pour in too much, it might result in an eruption.
