Why is oil being squeezed out of the engine?

Let's start with the fact that the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine is closed. The lubricant circulates through special channels in the cylinder head under a certain pressure, and oil is also supplied to some parts by splashing or by gravity.

At the same time, it is necessary to constantly maintain a strictly defined level of lubricant in the oil system, which should not be lower than the minimum or higher than the maximum. It is quite obvious that oil leakage from the engine is a serious malfunction, which in some cases can damage the power unit.

Next, we will look at what the driver should do if the engine is in oil, what is the cause of such a malfunction, and also how to find an oil leak from the engine in cases where it is not possible to quickly localize the problem area or element.

Why and why engine oil leaks from under the oil filter after replacing it

Incorrect installation of the filter element

The main reason for oil leakage from under the oil filter on a new engine is failure to comply with the torque limit requirements. The lubricant is pressed both when under-tightening and when over-tightening. In the first case, the rubber simply does not fulfill the task of sealing, since it is not clamped between the ends; in the second, its shape is deformed or the rubber product completely breaks.

Initially, they start from a less critical point of view: it is assumed that the filter element is not tightened enough. A component that is clamped to capacity will not rotate, but a component that is not tightened will make an extra 1/2-3/4 of a turn, which is sometimes quite enough. Among the icons on the side panel of the filter, another one is important; it requires you to lubricate its rubber ring with oil before installing the cleaning module. New or old - it doesn’t matter, the fact that the oil composition is located on the outer end of the seal is significant:

The lubricant prevents the rubber product from cracking when tightened tightly.
The viscous layer promotes a tight fit of the ring to the mating end on the cylinder block.
A layer of emulsion between the rubber and metal prevents the ring from sticking to the engine body.

Low quality filter

Poor quality paper or a defective bypass valve in the purifier body creates noticeable resistance to the flow of oil, and it begins to look for alternative ways to exit the defective component. General advice is to ignore products from little-known manufacturers that have an affordable price, and beware of counterfeits of well-known brands.

Exceeding the recommended amount of lubricant in the engine crankcase

At a level above MAX, it is clear why oil leaks from under the engine oil filter. Due to the increase in pressure, even a small overflow of oil into the engine leads to squeezing it out through all kinds of oil seals. There is only one recommendation - to bleed off the excess volume as soon as possible.

Unsuitable oil

The optimal viscosity of the oil emulsion is calculated based on many factors, the main ones being the clearances in the cylinder-piston group and the ambient temperature. What the engineers calculated is displayed in the operating book in the form of a list of recommended viscosity characteristics of the composition.

Deviation in favor of unspecified viscous or liquid categories leads to leakage at the points where the sealing elements are attached. Choosing without taking into account the average winter temperature is also illiterate - in the cold the lubricant thickens and may not pass through the filter. In the event of a strong difference in summer and winter temperatures, it is useful to know how to heat the oil in the crankcase of a car engine.

Complying with the instructions is a surefire way to properly operate a car, but no one is safe from counterfeits. Fake lubricant can be squeezed out and the only way to identify the cause is to understand the differences between the canisters of the original and the “basement” product.

Why the engine is in oil: possible reasons

It becomes clear that for normal operation of the internal combustion engine, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of oil leaks in the engine as quickly as possible. At the same time, experts identify several such reasons.

Let us note right away that it is not always possible to quickly detect the location of the leak. Many parts and elements of attachments make it difficult to access for inspection, and the space in the engine compartment on many cars is very limited.

This means that if the engine is in oil and drops of fresh lubricant are visible under the car after parking, then it is highly advisable to drive the car into an inspection pit, lift it on a lift or drive onto an overpass. This approach will make it possible to inspect the engine both from above and from below. By the way, if there is engine protection, this element will need to be removed. So, the main causes of oil leaks are as follows:

increase in engine oil level (overflow);
using the wrong type of lubricant;
problems with crankcase ventilation;
oil leak from under the valve cover;
oil leak in the distributor area;
oil flows from under the oil filter;
the oil pan is broken or cracked;
The front/rear crankshaft oil seal is leaking;

Quite often, car owners who change the engine oil themselves accidentally (sometimes deliberately) exceed the lubrication level. The result is increased pressure in the lubrication system; excess oil is simply squeezed out through gaskets and seals (especially on older engines). In this case, you need to pump out excess oil from the engine.

Also, oil may leak if the engine is filled with too “liquid” or counterfeit lubricant (SAE viscosity is not suitable, oil properties do not correspond to the declared ones). In such a situation, the lubricant must be drained, after which the engine is washed and a proven, high-quality product that meets the tolerances and recommendations is filled.

It may also be necessary to make additional adjustments for individual operating conditions (constant operation of the engine under heavy loads at high speeds, extreme heat in the region, etc.).

Let us add that certain malfunctions also lead to an increase in the level of lubrication. Such breakdowns include fuel getting into the oil, as well as antifreeze or antifreeze from the cooling system. In this case, the lubricant loses its beneficial properties and liquefies, forming an emulsion. Often in this case, oil leaks through the engine seals also appear.

The engine crankcase actually acts as an oil reservoir on many vehicles (except for dry sump systems). As the piston rings and CPG wear out of the combustion chamber, some of the exhaust gases escape into the boat. This leads to an increase in pressure.

This excess pressure must be compensated by the crankcase ventilation system. If the system does not work or does not work correctly, the exhaust gases “squeeze” the oil out of the crankcase. Often the driver may find that the entire engine is covered in oil, and the oil dipstick has been squeezed out.

Valve covers most often leak due to failure of the valve cover gasket, as well as as a result of deformation or damage to the cover itself.

Depending on the problem, it is necessary to replace the cover with a new one or limit yourself to only replacing the valve cover gasket. The lid can also be sealed with a special sealant.

On domestic cars, one of the most common places for oil leaks is the distributor. If oil leaks from under the distributor, in some cases the problem can be solved quite simply.

To do this, remove the cover from the distributor, then remove the device itself. Next, you need to apply sealant at the joint, after which assembly is performed in the reverse order.

On many cars, oil leaks from under the oil filter. The reason may be improper tightening of the filter without a special wrench (the filter is under-tightened or twisted).

In the first case, the filter needs to be tightened; in the second case, the rubber sealing ring is deformed, as a result of which it is necessary to purchase another oil filter. Also, one should not rule out product defects, especially when it comes to the cheapest filters. It happens less often that the problem is not in the filter itself, but in the threaded seat. If the breakdown occurs in this area, repairs are necessary.

Cracks and damage to the oil pan occur quite often, especially considering the operation of the car on domestic roads without the installation of additional engine protection.

As a rule, such a breakdown leads to intense leaks. In this case, it is necessary to replace the sump with a new one or repair the engine sump (weld the sump).

Repair operations are carried out only after dismantling the pallet. It is quite obvious that installing crankcase protection, although it does not completely eliminate it, significantly reduces the risks of such malfunctions.

Quite often, drivers encounter such a nuisance when the crankshaft oil seal leaks. The power unit has two crankshaft oil seals (front oil seal PSKV and rear oil seal ZSKV).

As a rule, oil seals leak on engines with a mileage of 100 thousand km or more. and more. A sure sign of problems with oil seals on many cars is oil in the area where the timing belt is installed (front oil seal), as well as oil leaks in the area where the gearbox and engine meet (oil flows between the engine and gearbox), oil stains are visible under the car after parking (rear oil seal ).

Such a breakdown is serious and requires specialist intervention. It is not recommended to drive the car until it is repaired. For example, if the front oil seal leaks, oil can get onto the timing belt with all the ensuing consequences (belt slippage, breakage and bent valves). Leaks in the rear seal area can cause lubricant to leak onto the clutch elements. To replace the SSC, the gearbox must be removed.

Possible causes of fresh oil leaking from under the oil filter in the periods between its replacements

A healthy approach to changing lubricant involves deviating from the standard advice to change the composition every 15 thousand km. Naturally, in the direction of reducing the interval, and by a factor of two. Those who don’t do this often put up with a dirty filter element, from under which the emulsion is crushed.

Bypass valve

Any paper has the right to lose capacity. In this situation, a bypass valve provided in the engine or filter housing, which allows lubricant to flow into the engine without filtration, helps eliminate oil starvation. Build-up or aggressive flushing can exhaust the bypass system, slowing down or stopping its operation altogether. If the oil pressure light comes on and at the same time oil leaks are detected under the filter element, there is only one verdict - change the filter and clean/install a new bypass valve (if it is located separately from the purifier).

Let's sum it up

Modern cars require high-quality operation. If you decide to use the power unit in modes that were not provided for by the manufacturer, you will have to pay a lot of money for repairs in the future. Therefore, it is much better to use the factory regulations for maintenance and generally take care of the machine. This will help you prepare the machine much better for operation and get maximum service life. The engine will not break down until the mileage is 300-350 thousand km, the oil will circulate normally through the system and be cleaned using a filter element. There won't be any problems.

If we are talking about existing troubles and difficulties, you will have to take into account the experience of other owners of the same cars. There is a high probability that other car owners have already encountered these problems, described them on forums, or even found a solution. In such a situation, you will be able to find a solution before you even pay for the diagnosis. If your car has oil pressing through the dipstick, you should immediately find the cause of the problem. Do not delay your visit to the service. Have you ever encountered such difficulties?

Summary

Diagnostics and recommendations on what exactly to do will help you find out why oil is leaking from under a newly installed oil filter:

Does the lubricant level in the engine crankcase exceed the MAX mark on the dipstick? If yes, remove some of the liquid.
Is the wiper housing tightly pulled to the cylinder block? No - tighten it 1/2-3/4 turn.
Is the thread broken? Yes - the steps depend on the specific car: install a longer stud, install a new tip, cut a new one...
Is the correct oil filled? No - replace the emulsion.
Is the filter part too tight? If yes, it will not twist when significant force is applied. Unscrew the filter element and look at the seal - deformation and cracks are not allowed, otherwise only replacement.
Is the component original and of high quality? No - replace.

If there is pressure on the lubricant and the oil pressure lamp is on, the filter is dirty and the bypass valve is clogged. On cars with an impressive mileage, the cause of the leak may be a faulty pressure relief valve. Both problems often manifest themselves during the interregulatory period.

During the operation of the car, a situation may arise when oil is squeezed out through the oil filter; the reason for this phenomenon can be quite different. As a result, regardless of the reason, a significant amount of lubricant is lost, and the operation of the power unit can be greatly complicated. Therefore, as soon as such a problem is discovered, it is necessary to stop the car as quickly as possible and take all measures to eliminate this problem.

How to find the leak

To determine the cause of the leak, it is necessary to determine the weak point in the engine. This is not an easy task that requires a lot of effort, time and patience. Particularly difficult is the fact that it is impossible to inspect the engine from all sides to find the location of the leak, so you need to resort to proven testing methods.

Tools and materials

To work you will need the following tools:

special pumping mechanism for supplying compressed air;
scotch;
polyethylene;
a little flour or talc powder;
UV lamp;
fluorescent pigment (special powder dye);
a rag for wiping off oil.

Fluorescent pigment – luminous powder

Once all the necessary tools are prepared, you can begin to work. Of course, not everyone has a UV lamp in their garage, so you can use a blue light flashlight instead.

Getting Started

To diagnose a car engine for oil leaks, there is no need to contact specialists. All the work can be done independently and even without a garage. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions.

Table. How to find an oil leak from an engine.

Steps, photo	Description of actions
Step one	Open the hood to check the engine oil level. To do this, you need to unscrew the filler cap, wipe off the oil from the dipstick, and then insert it back to measure the fluid level. There are special marks on the dipstick that you need to focus on.
Step two	Add some fluorescent dye to the crankcase and run the engine for 10-15 minutes. After this, turn off the lights in the room and use an ultraviolet lamp to identify possible leaks.
Step three	Cover the entire surface of the engine with a small layer of powder (talc), then start the engine so that it warms up well (If there is a leak, the applied talc will allow you to see the leaking oil.
Step four	Inspect the oil line. To do this, you need to start the engine and monitor the condition of the oil line. If there is a leak, oil will flow out from the engines under load. In this case, the oil line needs to be repaired or completely replaced.
Step five	The leak location does not have to be one, since oil can leak out in several places at once. As a rule, this is due to increased pressure in the engine crankcase. In such cases, diagnostics are required at a service station.
Step six	Another method for detecting leaks is steam cleaning. To do this, you need to wrap the wiring, sensors and all connections with polyethylene. Secure everything with duct tape or tape. Then apply a special degreaser to the surface of the motor and remove it after a certain amount of time using a steam cleaner. Compressed air is needed to dry all electrical components. With a cleaned engine, it is much easier to notice all kinds of leaks.

On a note! To obtain the most accurate data on the engine oil level, the check should be carried out on a well-warm-up car. The motor must run for at least 10 minutes. Only after this is it recommended to measure the engine oil.

The main reasons for this problem

For experienced motorists with extensive driving experience, a situation where oil has been squeezed out through the oil filter may be due to the following:

serious malfunction of the valve itself;
large discrepancy between the viscosity of the lubricant and the characteristics of the power unit;
weak fixation of the filter itself on the surface of the fitting;
severe contamination of the filter surface, which made it difficult for the lubricant to pass through the filter paper;
use of low-quality polymer-type sealant.

Consequences of untimely repairs

If everything is clear about the causes of the leak and how to fix the problem, then now it’s worth understanding the possible consequences. What are the consequences of untimely repairs? Everyone knows that without lubricant, an engine cannot operate normally. It will quickly overheat, causing many of its elements to fail. First of all, damage will affect the piston group and crankshaft, which will lead to metal shavings getting into the remaining oil. This will only aggravate the situation - the integrity of the sealing elements and various seals will be compromised.

Consequences of engine oil leakage

An increase in engine temperature can also lead to deformation of the cylinder head, which will entail more serious financial losses. If replacing damaged pistons is relatively cheap, repairing an engine with a deformed cylinder head will cost much more (in most cases it will be cheaper to buy a new engine).

List of main conditions causing oil filter leakage

A very common reason is the squeezing out of the lubricant when starting the unit in winter. Under such conditions, the oil that has thickened in the cold is not capable of leaking through the membrane layers due to its structure. As a result, a jelly-like lubricant under strong pressure breaks through the layers of the membrane and flows out at the base through the thread channels.
Incorrect operation of the oil pump, which at high speeds creates excess pressure, which can squeeze oil through all possible leaky areas. Very often the oil filter is the weakest point.
In the case of using a brand of oils with increased oil viscosity in severe frost conditions. Such a mistake can occur either due to the inexperience of a novice motorist or as a result of purchasing a counterfeit product.

What problems can lead to oil squeezing out?

It must be admitted that in most cases the problems are associated precisely with malfunctions and disruption of the normal operation of the engine. In this case, you need to eliminate the problem before it begins to affect the performance of the unit as a whole. Lubricants play a huge role in the normal operation of the power plant. If something goes wrong, the engine parts are poorly lubricated or run dry. In this case, you can be sure that within a few weeks you will have to make major repairs or completely change the power unit. Replacement will be very expensive, it is better to invest some money in repairs.

The main possible problems are:

the crankcase ventilation filter is clogged - most often we are talking about the so-called oil separator, which does not fulfill its task and creates excessive pressure in the lubrication system;
burnt-out piston - in this case, the oil does not circulate correctly and may enter areas where the manufacturer did not intend for engine lubricants to enter;
the gaps between the parts are too large - in this case, during friction, oil splashes are spread at high speed along the inside of the body, flow down and can fall into the dipstick area;
clogged channels through which oil circulates, in such a situation excess pressure is created in the system, which leads to the unpleasant effects of the lubricant rising to the level of the dipstick;
antifreeze falls into the lubricant - in this case, a chemical reaction takes place that foams the lubricant and leads to problems with its volume and pressure, this also changes the characteristics of the lubricant.

How to eliminate lubricant leakage through the filter

If the oil has been squeezed out through the oil filter and the cause has already been found, then you need to start eliminating the leak. To carry out repair work, you need to prepare a set of keys and some rags.

The entire repair process consists of the following activities:

using keys, remove the timing belt cover;
the auto valve plug is unscrewed;
the spring is carefully removed;
the valve is removed and checked for scoring or other types of mechanical damage;

In pursuit of engine life

Before making a diagnosis as to why the lubricant was squeezed out, it is worth correctly assessing the conditions under which the problem occurred. Let's take into account the temperature and quality of materials. We will not consider the fourth position; in this case, the oil leak from under the oil filter was the result of inexperience rather than dishonesty. You only need to tighten it by hand, making sure to lubricate the sealing gasket with oil. If you tighten the filter using a tool - a wrench or a special puller, the rubber may be deformed too much, and the edge of the filter cover will come into contact with the mounting flange. In this case, the tightness of the connection will remain in question and the lubricant can be squeezed out at any time.

The first typical mistake that causes oil to squeeze out through the oil filter is high speed in cold weather. Ordinary mineral oil thickens at low temperatures to the state of jelly or grease. A gear pump can raise oil pressure up to 10 bar and squeeze it out through any gap, but it’s difficult through a microsponge or filter paper, and the cold oil flow is very reluctant to pass through the bypass valve.

Often such experiments lead not only to the lubricant being squeezed out from under the oil filter, but also to damage to the hardened seals on the crankshaft. In the latter case, repairs will cost several times more than a conventional device replacement.

If the filter element is designed for light, low-viscosity synthetic oil, then its design will have a reduced number of inlet holes, and they will be of smaller diameter. Due to the high viscosity of cold mineral water, the main flow of oil is not able to be squeezed out through small holes. As a result, the housing was swollen or the oil filter gasket was pressed out.

The second, most common mistake is the inappropriate use of various types of revilitants that offer quick restoration of rubbing surfaces. In most cases, all the debris added to the oil ends up in the filter element and bypass valve, blocking the flow and, as a result, forcing the lubricant through the seal.

Do not use traditional recipes for flushing the lubrication system - mixtures of kerosene and oil, gasoline and oil, kerosene with acetone and benzene. At best, such an explosive mixture will dissolve sediment in the drain channels and in the engine sump. Attempts to start the engine and idle result in light and low-viscosity fluid leaking and squeezing out through the oil seals and the housing seal. Residues from such flushing can lead to swelling and deformation of all gaskets in the lubrication system.

A similar effect is possible from high-viscosity motor oil. Advertising for such products promises normal oil pressure for worn engines. In hot weather, this oil actually works better, but with the arrival of cold weather it can easily squeeze out any rubber bands from under the filter. Moreover, oil filters are not designed for such innovations, and as a result, oil leaks from the oil filter.

A situation where the lubricant is squeezed out from under the oil filter results in:

savings on flushing the oil system with special liquids;
the bad habit of not changing the oil, but adding it as it decreases;
use purified surrogates instead of normal high-quality oil.

How to choose a quality filter

Very often, oil leakage can occur due to the use of a low-quality filter.

In order not to buy a low-quality counterfeit, you must remember the following:

When purchasing an oil filter, you should pay attention to the condition of the packaging. If there are signs of deformation and there are large holes in the case, then this is a sure sign of counterfeit.
It is necessary to study the technical condition of the polymer sealing ring and the filter membrane. The height of the sealing ring should not be more than 0.8 mm. above the surface of the lid. A high-quality membrane should be free of irregularities and of the same color.
You need to buy a filter only in certified auto stores that have official registration and a long period of operation.
You should not chase cheap filters, since very often low-quality material is used for their manufacture, and they have a limited service life. By applying the above recommendations in practice, you can minimize the likelihood of purchasing a filter with low technical characteristics.

How to avoid problems with the lubrication system in your car?

Problems are not easy to avoid, given that sometimes they appear completely unexpectedly. The difficulties may be completely different on different cars. It is necessary to take into account the design of the engine, it is necessary to look at the list of childhood diseases and other troubles. But in the case of the oil level, its squeezing out, incorrect composition and other troubles, you need to carefully look at the problem and its cause. If the reason is not found, you will have great regret at the moment when the motor simply refuses to work normally. This can happen due to poor lubrication of parts.

It is also worth considering the following preventive measures:

regular oil changes - when the characteristics of the lubricant change, a variety of problems with the car are possible, and this must be taken into account when choosing the regular maintenance interval;
choosing a high-quality lubricant - do not skimp on oil to avoid problems in the future; you can kill the engine with cheap bulk lubricant;
compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations - during maintenance, you need to take into account the need to select a lubricant with the recommended parameters, as well as use high-quality consumables;
The oil filter needs to be changed every time, otherwise there may be problems with contamination of the new oil filled, it is worth buying a high-quality filter element, especially since the price difference is small;
If problems arise, you should contact a specialist immediately; you should not drive the car if you are not sure of the serviceability of the engine and the normal characteristics of the lubrication.

Improper and irregular maintenance results in the fact that the engine in your car will very soon require restoration and repair. This is one of the most expensive parts to repair and can actually cost you a fortune to restore. On expensive, efficient cars there can be a lot of problems with the power unit. The more modern the engine, the more difficulties arise during its operation in the future. It is quite possible that the unit will even have to be replaced; many modern engines are simply not repaired when their main service life expires.

We suggest watching a video describing the problem of squeezing oil through the dipstick:

Signs of Oil Loss

Oil leaks from the engine occur for various reasons. Therefore, signs of loss of lubricant also manifest themselves in different ways.

The most common sign that immediately shows that there is a malfunction in the car is an oil slick in the area of the engine crankcase. It usually appears when the car is parked for a long time. That is why experienced motorists inspect the space under the bottom every morning, between the front wheels of the car. Even if a stain or a small puddle appears, it is not a fact that the engine is leaking. The leak sometimes occurs from the gearbox; there is also gear oil there.

The second main sign is a drop in the oil level, which can be seen on the dipstick. To do this, stop the car on level ground and wait 10–15 minutes for all the lubricant to flow into the engine crankcase. Having removed the dipstick, wipe it well with a rag, then reinsert it into the neck until it stops. If the lubricant level has dropped, you need to immediately find out the reason. It seems that there are no oil stains or smudges, but the lubricant is leaving. The fact is that motor fluid can not only leak, but also burn out while the engine is running. If you place the vehicle on an inspection hole, or drive onto an overpass, a visual inspection will help localize the problem.

Engine oil leak: how to find the cause

Let's start with the fact that the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine is closed. The lubricant circulates through special channels in the BC and cylinder head under a certain pressure, and oil is also supplied to some parts by splashing or by gravity.

Causes of leaks

In order to fix the problem, you need to find out why the oil is leaking. The reasons may be different:

Defective gaskets or seals. There are a lot of them in the engine - in the area of the gas distribution mechanism (GRM), cylinder head (cylinder head), oil filter, crankshaft, as well as other components of the power plant.
Malfunction of the crankcase ventilation system. While the engine is running, some of the exhaust gases break through the oil scraper and compression rings into the crankcase. They create excess pressure on the engine oil. Thus, the lubricant can be squeezed out through the seals or gaskets, because some of them may not withstand such pressure.
Poor quality oil fluid. Counterfeit motor fluid is often sold on the market under the guise of original fluid. It is quite difficult to recognize it, so car enthusiasts, especially inexperienced ones, often buy fakes. The operation of the engine leads to an increase in temperature to 250–300°C in the area of the cylinder-piston group. The counterfeit product loses its viscosity and liquefies. In this state, it leaks through the seals in large quantities. The same applies to waste - flowing through the piston rings, such “oil” burns along with the fuel. Fumes are indicated by the bluish color of the exhaust gases escaping from the exhaust pipe.
Finally, the most common reason is damage to the oil pan during a trip. Sometimes objects come across under the bottom that can seriously damage the pallet. That's why some automakers, as well as many car owners, install additional protection on the crankcase.

Signs and causes of leaks

To deal with the problem, you need to know about its causes and symptoms. What are the signs to determine that oil is leaking from the engine? Engine fluid leakage is sometimes caused by clutch slippage. If engine fluid gets onto the intake manifold or exhaust pipe, you will notice unpleasant odors or see blue smoke coming from under the hood.

Oil stains due to fluid leakage from the engine

After the night, pay attention to the place where your vehicle was parked. Oil spots under the engine may indicate that oil has leaked from it and the problem needs to be addressed. The main sign is the nature of the oil stain. It will be either yellow or dark, and in appearance it will be a slippery and greasy stain.

In addition, another sign that fluid is leaking from the engine is its insufficient level. If the oil is completely squeezed out while driving or it leaves the engine while parked, then, of course, the level will be at its lowest. Therefore, drivers are recommended to check the engine fluid level before each vehicle operation. In addition, the instrument panel may indicate this problem. If the oil level is insufficient and it has partially leaked out, you will see a characteristic icon of a lack of fluid in the engine on the dashboard.

As for the reasons, they are discussed below:

The intake manifold control system has failed.
The engine fluid level sensor is not sealing - if a leak is observed in the area of the sensor.
The filter element is not tight - if liquid flows into the oil filter area.
Leaking motor seals.
The wrong MM is loaded into the system. Sometimes car owners do not take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer regarding the choice of consumables. Of course, this should not be ignored. The fluid should be filled only with that specified by the manufacturer, as this is very important. The performance of consumables is affected by the additive package, chemical composition, and viscosity properties. Elements contained in the wrong oil can corrode the rubber components of the injection system, which can cause the oil to completely leak out of the car.
Overflow of liquid. If you have poured too much consumables into the engine, this may cause an increase in the operating pressure of the MM. As a result of increased pressure, the level of load on the sealing elements along with the seals will increase. Accordingly, this may cause destruction of the structure.
Transport has not been used for a long time. If your car’s engine does not heat up for twenty days, the liquid may drain into the oil pan, and all the sealing elements along with the seals will begin to dry out due to downtime.
Insufficient crankcase ventilation. Every motorist knows that exhaust gases enter the crankcase through the pistons. The piston bores will allow more gases to pass through if the engine is quite old. When these gases collect in the crankcase, excessive pressure is created in the system. The ventilation system should reduce this pressure, but if its channels are clogged, then there can be no talk of any reduction in pressure. Accordingly, the pressure will squeeze out the consumables.
The cylinder head gasket is broken. This sealing element can be damaged anywhere, causing liquid to leak out. However, if the gasket is broken, this does not mean that the liquid will come out. It can also leak into the cooling system if the part located between the cylinders and the cooling system is broken. In this case, everything can be understood by the color of the antifreeze - it will be more cloudy. In addition, the car will lose power, the coolant will constantly foam, and the engine will regularly overheat.

Crankshaft oil seals

If an oil puddle has formed under the car, you need to find out where the engine oil may be leaking from. One of the most likely paths is crankshaft oil seals that are damaged due to the use of low-quality engine oil or have exhausted their service life. The wear-resistant rubber from which they are made is also subject to aging - due to high temperatures, as well as aggressive external influences. Overheating of the motor, contamination, frequent use of flushing, poor lubrication - all this gradually destroys the material of the seals.

To replace them, you will have to do some serious work - disconnect the gearbox, rear-wheel drive driveshaft (if equipped), starter, clutch and other components. After replacement, all this will need to be installed back. Often, the crankshaft bearings are replaced along with the oil seals - so as not to disassemble the whole thing twice.

Filter gasket

When the engine lubricant is changed, the oil filter is also replaced. Before installing it in place, be sure to lubricate the rubber gasket with oil. This helps to screw the cleaning device more tightly to the engine body. If this is not done, which is sometimes carelessly forgotten, the gasket will be deformed when screwed in, which can lead to engine fluid leakage. Fixing this problem is quite simple. In most cases, it is enough to tighten the filter harder.

What problems arise from oil leaks?

It is important to understand that any leaks cause the engine oil level to drop. If there is insufficient lubrication in the engine, the loaded friction pairs are subject to severe wear. As a result, the engine life is noticeably reduced, and parts may break and jam.

Let us also note that normally, engine oil may well be consumed (waste consumption), but such consumption must be within certain limits determined by the engine manufacturer itself. If you add to this even a minor oil leak, then the risks of a critical decrease in pressure in the oil system and a drop in the lubricant level increase significantly.

Also, if there is a leak, the driver has to constantly monitor the lubrication level and add oil to the engine. At the same time, it is necessary to remember that for topping up you cannot use oils that do not meet the tolerances, mix products from different manufacturers, etc. To put it simply, you have to buy oil that is recommended by the engine manufacturer and is often not cheap.

Let us also add that oil leakage pollutes the engine and engine compartment. As a result, a thick layer of dust and dirt mixed with lubricant adheres to the motor. Such contamination is dangerous because heat exchange is disrupted, the load on the cooling system increases, and the engine may overheat.

Also, heavy oiling of the internal combustion engine can cause a fire. By the way, this layer of dirt and oil is difficult to remove from the engine surfaces (regular and thorough engine washing with Karcher, steam, etc. is required).

Separately, it should be taken into account that a leak can lead to oil accumulating in the spark plug wells. This leads to engine malfunctions, engine tripping, and misfires. Also, grease can damage the insulation of wires under the hood, get on the clutch, soften rubber cushions, seals, interact with plastic parts, etc.

Oil seals

These parts have another name - valve seals. The valves, which are part of the gas distribution mechanism, are located in the upper part of the cylinder head. To prevent oil from the intake and exhaust valves from entering the combustion chambers, valve stem seals are used. They are made from special rubber, but over time it loses its qualities. If at least one oil seal begins to leak, the lubricant enters the chambers, where it burns along with the fuel. Since the oil does not burn completely, various types of deposits form in the engine, accelerating its wear. Even if the lubricant mixture is of very high quality, it may not cope with so much carbon deposits. This phenomenon is often observed in engines with high mileage. How to fix an oil leak? Only by disassembling the cylinder head block and replacing all caps with new ones.

Oil presses out from under the valve cover

When oil is squeezed out from under the valve cover, there may be several reasons for this situation. The problem is usually related to the following parts and elements:

valve lid;
pad;
loose bolts, studs and nuts;
oil cap.

Of course, the oil flow from the engine in these cases is not intense, but the leaks are clearly visible, since dirt and dust stick to them.

Gasket problem

The most common cause of oil leaks is a gasket problem. It is usually made of rubber or cork. The first option gradually dries out under the influence of high temperatures, as a result of which the material begins to crack. When a crack appears, a leak occurs - this is inevitable.

There are many fakes on the modern auto parts market, so even if you buy a new gasket, it may turn out to be of poor quality. We still recommend choosing cork options - these consumables are better able to withstand high temperatures and last longer.

Valve cover malfunction

Many automakers have been making valve covers from special plastic in recent years. Careless handling of this cover may cause it to break or crack. For example, a plastic part may burst even if a heavy object is dropped on it. If the plastic cap begins to leak oil, it will most likely need to be replaced. In most cases, you can find a metal analogue.

Studs, nuts and bolts

All these fasteners sometimes cause oil leaks. The most common reason is due to improper tightening of the bolts. If anything is not tightened well enough, oil will start to ooze out. Therefore, when removing the valve cover, it must subsequently be properly tightened with a special torque wrench.

Sometimes careless craftsmen accidentally break off studs and bolts due to over-tightening. In this case, it is necessary to urgently replace the fasteners, otherwise leakage cannot be avoided. On modern valve covers, manufacturers install bushings under each bolt. They press special gaskets lying in the wells of the attachment points.

Piston rings

This is one of the most common causes of grease waste. If the piston rings are worn out or skewed due to the use of a poor-quality oil composition, the latter enters the combustion chambers.

The situation is very similar to a malfunction of the oil deflectors in the valves. Only here the lubricant leaks through a different route. The consequences are the same - blue smoke from the chimney, large excess consumption of lubricant, loss of engine power. In this case, sometimes flushing the engine helps - it decarbonizes the rings. If there is wear and tear, only engine overhaul will help, there are no other ways.

Consequences of oil leakage

If a problem has occurred with a leak of the lubricant mixture, it is absolutely impossible to delay repairs. The results can be devastating to the engine. For example, if you take damage to the BGC gasket, several unpleasant consequences occur at once, in addition to loss of oil. If liquid from the cooling system gets into the engine crankcase, everything can end with water hammer and jamming of the engine. Here you can’t get by with a major overhaul - you’ll have to completely change the engine. The same thing can happen if you damage the crankcase - engine fluid leaks out, but you drive without noticing it. As a result, the power plant will also fail.

Conclusion - monitor the oil level with a dipstick and check for leaks regularly. If the oil sensor on the dashboard is working, it should notify you of a problem in time. If not, you need to replace it with a new one.

Why and how does oil leave a car engine?