How to find an oil leak in a car
Content
In addition to nasty spots in the parking lot, an oil leak can turn into a real disaster for the driver. At least when ignoring a problem, some important detail will fail. Worst of all, if it jammed the engine.
A timely check of the engine's lubricant level will help prevent critical fluid loss. But when the owner of the car noticed that something was dripping under the car, it was a signal to take further steps.
Preparing to locate a likely oil leak
Before looking for the cause of a grease leak, you need to arm yourself with suitable tools. In addition to dirty clothes for this procedure you will need:
- impregnating material;
- means for washing the engine;
- means for luminescent diagnostics;
- lantern, or lamp of blue glow.
Impregnating material and detergents are required to clean the motor of dust and dirt. Other tools will facilitate the search for a leak in the system. In car dealers, a special liquid is sold that allows you to find a leak using an ultraviolet lamp.
A cheaper method for detecting leaks is to shut down the engine and let it run a little. Strong leakage can be seen with the naked eye.
Causes of the course
Lubricant leak in a car appears for two reasons. Firstly, this is a breakdown of the power unit (or its elements). Secondly, the problem may be with the gearbox. Modern machines are equipped with additional units that also use lubricating fluid. For example, power steering.
The engine compartment is a place of constant accumulation of dust. Untimely cleaning of the motor from the formed plaque can lead to overheating of the engine. Elevated temperatures adversely affect the tightness of cushioning materials.
Crankcase ventilation problems are the next cause of oil leakage. It can immediately be identified. Basically, if the crankcase is not ventilated, then overpressure will form in it. First of all, squeeze the probe.
Driver errors
Sometimes the simplest reason for the appearance of greasy leaks on the engine is the mistakes of the owner of the car. When changing the lubricant, some knowingly exceed the level indicated on the dipstick. As a result, excessive pressure is generated in the system, which is why oil leaks on the gaskets.
The second reason also depends on the motorist. Some mistakenly believe that the quality of the engine depends on the cost of lubrication. It is not always so. The manufacturer sets the requirements for such fluids. On canisters there is a designation SAE. This is the level of viscosity of the oil. If the motor is designed for a thicker lubricant, then the liquid will simply show up at the joints of the parts. About what to be guided by, choosing a lubricant, you can read here.
How to detect oil leak in a car
The first method is a visual inspection. For this, it is important not only to look at the engine and gearbox by opening the hood. The car must be lifted on a lift, driven into a pit, or put on a flyover.
The problem area will be more polluted, as more dust accumulates on the oil than on clean surfaces. Such areas should be noted, then wash the motor. Then they start the car and let it work. In problem areas, the oil will begin to emerge as soon as the engine warms up to operating temperature. In this case, the lubricant has a greater fluidity, so it is easier to penetrate through microcracks.
The second way to detect leaks is to use a luminescent fluid. It is poured into the engine itself, in accordance with the instructions for use. After a ten-minute engine idle, the car is drowned. A flashlight with neon light will show the place of minor depressurization of the housing, or a rush of oil line. The diagnostic fluid will light up brightly when light from a flashlight hits it.
After finding the place where the oil comes from, it is important to make sure that this is the only problem area.
How to eliminate oil leakage in a car
To eliminate grease leakage in some cases, a simple replacement of the cushioning materials is sufficient if this procedure has been carried out for a long time. It’s not always possible to fix the problem with your own hands. For example, a leak between the cylinder block and the valve cover requires replacing the valve cover gasket. Instead of gaskets, many vehicles use heat-resistant sealant. If a leak has formed on this connection, it is necessary to remove the old sealant, and apply a new one. Without experience in performing such work, the driver will only harm the vehicle.
Another common malfunction in which there is a loss of oil fluid is a violation of the tightness of the crankshaft seal. This problem is also better not to solve yourself.
Emergency Tips
Some motorists are advised to use special oil additives. The principle of action of these substances is the same. They play the role of a thickener, which temporarily fixes the problem. However, this method has a significant drawback. If the driver decides to use them, he must take into account that in this case the viscosity of the oil will change. A thick lubrication of the engine leads to its overload. Especially when running in the cold.
If a slight leak appeared on the pallet, a trick can save the situation (until the next repair). A small piece of laundry soap needs to be softened in a couple of drops of water. It should make an elastic mass similar to plasticine. With this composition, a crack cleared of dirt is smeared. It is important to perform this procedure on a cold engine.
What problems result from an oil leak?
It is worth noting that most troubleshooting methods have a temporary result. They do not replace high-quality repair of key auto parts. Timely inspection of the machine and the elimination of minor leaks will increase the duration of the vehicle.
What if the driver is not used to looking under the car in search of abnormal spots on the pavement, and for a long time does not pay attention to the oil pressure indicator? Then he needs to be ready for a major overhaul of the motor at the most inopportune moment. Engine oil plays a key role in the continuous operation of internal combustion engines. Many parts of the power unit are subject to friction. Lubrication reduces friction between metal elements.
Oil not only lubricates moving parts, but also cools them. If the motor experiences oil starvation for a long time, dry rubbing parts will become very hot, which will lead to their expansion. As a result, the liners will quickly deteriorate. crankshaft and bed camshaft.
As you can see, each driver needs to have a good habit - periodically look under the hood and under the car for timely identification of problems.
Watch also a video about the effects of motor starvation:
Common questions:
How to fix oil leaks without disassembling the engine? Many auto chemical manufacturers create substances called oil anti-leaks. Some products, such as HG2241, stabilize the viscosity of the oil or soften the gasket materials, restoring them slightly.
What causes the oil in the car to leak? Use a more fluid grease than recommended by the manufacturer. The old motor will definitely leak. Poor ventilation of the crankcase gases creates excessive pressure, which causes the oil to squeeze out of the engine.
What additives are there for oil leakage? Among domestic motorists, sealant additives from such companies are popular: Xado, Astrohim, StepUp, Liqui Moly, Hi-Gear.
