I have 3 gaskets - valve cover gasket, engine manifold gasket and oil pan gasket. I get constant oil spots wherever I stop. How does one know which gasket is leaking? Could it be from something else other than an engine gasket? (92 Cadillac 5.7 liter motor)
2006-10-29 01:55:06 · 8 answers · asked by leo b 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
when you get your oil changed ask the guy to check it for you
2006-10-29 02:00:08 · answer #1 · answered by xjim2525 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would clean the engine well under the manifold for starters. That way you can visually look to see if any new oil is coming down the side of the bloclk
from the valve covers. Keep in mind that some valve covers will leak down the front and rear of the engine, so clean there also if you can. It is pretty inexpensive to change valve covers. If the first suggestion doesn't work for you,change the valve cover gaskets and see if you are still leaking, hope this helps.
2006-10-29 02:11:20 · answer #2 · answered by Robert D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technicians will have the engine steamcleaned and add a UV dye in the engine oil run the engine a while and with a black light and goggles look for the first signs of glowing leak. Crude method plug the hole for the PCV valve in the valve cover with a used spark plug pinch off or use another spark plug close the crankcase vent to the air filter. Do not drive just idle and soon crankcase pressure will build up and really blow the oil out. Be ready to shut it off quickly once you see a leak. High mile engines build pressure quickly because rings are not sealing well.
2006-10-29 02:05:47 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to get under the car to see which place it's coming from... On my car, when it was leaking from the valve cover gasket, it was visible when I opened the hood. But I've also had a car that was leaking from the oil pan.. I've had alot of leaking cars huh? good luck...
2006-10-29 01:59:27 · answer #4 · answered by ray of sunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be front, or rear seal, your best bet is to jack it up and look underneath... Look at your oil pan gasket check and see if it is dry on the block above it ... if its not your problem is on the upper end.. also look at the front behind the balancer and check for leaks...this would be the front main seal leaking, then check the rear, for oil around the bell housing for drips... this would be the rear main seal...also check oil filter and make sure it tight..another way to find out which end its leaking from, set a piece of cardboard under the engine completely across to see which end you drip is coming from
2006-10-29 02:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by Sheena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is just a small leak, then no need to worry too much. Just check your oil level and make sure it is not leaking too fast (but if it is just dripping small spots in your driveway you should be ok) I have seen people have large leaks where they had to add oil every week and have puddles in their driveway. You can watch your oil level and add if needed, and wait to fix it until you can afford too. Cars eventually always leak some
2016-05-22 05:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put several sheets of newspaper under your vehicle in the area of the leaks,try from the windshield forward and let it sit overnight.The next day when you move the vehicle you should be able to approximate the location of the leaks.To be sure have the engine compartment steam cleaned and then you will see the exact location of the leaks.
2006-10-29 02:03:37 · answer #7 · answered by hjbergel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely it's the valve cover gaskets. Just to make sure degrease your engine so you can see where it originates from.
2006-10-29 01:58:57 · answer #8 · answered by Daryl C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋