Oil Leak Diagnosis
DESCRIPTIONWhen repairing engine oil leaks, it is important that the source and location of the leak be positively identified before service. The following procedures have been found to be very effective and requires minimum equipment. Prior to using this inspection, it is important to clean the cylinder block, cylinder heads, valve cover, oil pan, and flywheel housing areas with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil. To perform oil leak diagnosis use Rotunda Oil Leak Detector 164-R0756 or equivalent, perform the following procedure.
FLUORESCENT OIL ADDITIVE METHOD
CAUTION: Aluminum engines must be at room temperature when being cleaned or engine damage (component warping) may occur.
1. Clean the engine with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.
2. Drain the engine oil crankcase and refill it with recommended oil, premixed with Fluorescent Oil Additive. Use a minimum 15 ml (1/2 oz) to a maximum 30ml (1 oz) of fluorescent additive. If oil is not premixed, fluorescent additive must be added to crankcase first.
3. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks using Rotunda Oil Leak Detector 164-R0756 or equivalent. A clear bright yellow or orange area will identify the leak. For extremely small leaks, several hours of running the engine may be required for the leak to appear.
4. Service all leaks as required.
PRESSURE METHOD USING PRESSURIZATION KIT
The Rotunda Pressurization Kit 014-00705 or equivalent, can be used to test for engine oil leakage. A solution of liquid detergent and water to be applied with a suitable applicator such as a squirt bottle or brush is also needed.
Procedures
1. Plug all crankcase openings except the one used for connecting the leakage detector.
2. Connect the leakage detector to a crankcase opening (oil level indicator tube is convenient) and adjust the air pressure to 34 kPa (5 psi).
3. Using a solution of liquid soap and water, brush the solution along all of the gasket sealing surfaces and bearing seals. Look for bubbles or foam. If bubbles or foam are present, repair the leak as necessary.
PRESSURE METHOD WITHOUT PRESSURIZATION KIT
The crankcase can be pressurized to locate oil leaks. Do not exceed 34.5 kPa (5 psi).
Fabricating the Tool
The following materials are required to fabricate the tool to be used:
- air supply and air hose
- air pressure gauge that registers pressure in 1 psi increments
- air line shutoff valve
- appropriate fittings to attach the above parts to oil fill and PCV grommet holes and crankcase ventilation tube.
- appropriate plugs to seal any openings leading to the crankcase
- a solution of liquid detergent and water to be applied with a suitable applicator such as a squirt bottle or brush.
Procedures
1. Fabricate the air supply hose to include the air line shutoff valve and the appropriate adapter to permit the air to enter the engine through the positive crankcase ventilation valve opening.
2. Fabricate the air pressure gauge to a suitable adapter for installation on the engine at the oil fill opening.
3. Open air supply valve until pressure gauge maintains 34.5 kPa (5 psi).
4. Inspect the sealed and/or gasketed areas for leaks by applying snoop leak detector or a solution of liquid detergent and water over the areas for the formation of bubbles, which indicates leakage.
TESTING WITH THE LEAKAGE TESTER
Oil leaks can be located by using the Cylinder Leakage Detector. Refer to Valve Guide Seal Test.
LEAKAGE POINTS
NOTE: Light foaming equally around valve cover bolts and crankshaft seals is not detrimental and no corrections are required.
Oil leaks at crimped seams in sheet metal parts and cracks in cast or stamped parts can be detected when pressurizing the crankcase.
Examine the following areas for oil leakage:
Underhood
^ Camshaft oil seal.
^ Valve cover gasket.
^ Cylinder head gaskets.
^ Oil level indicator tube.
^ Oil pressure sensor.
^ Intake manifold gaskets.
^ Engine front cover gasket.
^ Camshaft position sensor (CMP) O-ring.
^ Oil level indicator tube connection.
Under Engine - With vehicle raised and supported
^ Oil pan gasket.
^ oil pan front and/or oil pan rear seal.
^ Crankshaft rear oil seal.
^ Crankshaft front seal.
^ Oil filter.
^ oil pressure sensor.
^ oil bypass filter.
With transaxle and flywheel removed
NOTE: Air leakage in the area around a crankshaft rear oil seal does not necessarily indicate a crankshaft rear oil seal leak. However, if no other cause can be found for oil leakage, assume that the crankshaft rear oil seal is the cause of the oil leak.
^ Crankshaft rear oil seal.
^ Crankshaft rear oil seal retainer.
^ Camshaft rear bearing covers.
^ Pipe plugs at the end of oil passages.
^ Rear main bearing cap parting line.
^ Rear main bearing cap and seals.
^ Flywheel mounting bolt holes (with flywheel (6375) installed).