Your Engine Oil Leaking? How To Tell

Majority of car drivers tend to mistake the leaks occurring from their cars. With a wide range of fluids being used in cars, trying to identify the type of fluid dripping from the car can be baffling. When faced with an oil leak do not rush to conclusions by deciding it is engine oil. In fact, the fluid leak could be very different from engine oil. Before concluding, find out if the leak is indeed from the engine. One could be able to identify the type of leak by looking at the color of the fluid. If the fluid color is black or dark brown and slick when touched, then it is likely to be engine oil. However, if the color of the fluid is greenish or reddish and has a sweet smell and leaks mainly from the radiator, then it may be the anti-freeze fluid.

Another type of leak likely to occur is the transmission fluid, which is normally red in color and smells like petroleum. However, windshield washer fluid comes in many different colors such as pink, orange, blue, red and purple. Typically the windshield washer fluid leaks come from the windshield water reservoir. Other types of fluids that may leak are the brake fluid; which normally appears along the brake lines and fuel leaks that can be identified by its smell. Having figured out that the type of leak is engine oil; the next step is to identify the location where it is coming from. If it is engine oil, then it is certainly coming from the engine.

Leaks from the engine are the most occurring types of leaks and when identified, the leak has to be corrected immediately. This is because if the engine is leaking, the level of oil in the engine will be low causing irreparable damage to the engine. The next step is to pinpoint the exact location of the leak on the engine. Small leaks such as from the valve cover gasket is likely to move down the manifolds, vacuum lines and the wires and spread all over. When trying to locate the sources of the oil leak from the engine, get a light and take a look at the engine. However, if one is not certain about the exact location of the leak, do not start replacing anything so as not to damage the expensive engine gasket.

With the oil still in the engine, finding the leak will be next to impossible. Therefore it is recommended that the engine be free from oil before locating the point of the leak. Using a good engine cleaner such as the Gunk Engine Cleaner or any other type, make sure the engine is thoroughly cleaned. Follow the directions indicated on the product when cleaning the engine. Some of the engine areas that may leak are the valve cover gaskets, oil filter, rear bearing seal, cover seal, and the oil pan drain plug. After cleaning the engine ensure the PCV system is checked. This is because if the PCV is filled with dirt, it will likely increase the pressure of the engine, causing it to leak. Professional help should be sought when trying to repair the source of the leaks that are difficult to replace. Repairing a leaking engine is of essence to avoid preventable car accidents.

By: Levi Quinn

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