The Oil Leak Repair cost - How It Can Be Fixed & Common Causes

Oil leaking from your vehicle's bottom can make your heart stop temporarily as you consider the cost of repair. The engine is the most costly part of your vehicle. Is it possible to get oil leak repair done at a fraction of the cost?

We will examine the causes of an oil leak in this article. We also examine how to repair an oil leak, and the cost of the repairs. 

Approximate Oil Leak Repair Costs

An oil leak repair can run from $100 up to $2,000 and more. This is because of many reasons for oil leakage and also depends on the exact location. You also have to consider the vehicle type you drive when determining the final cost. 

If you are taking good care of the engine and performing regular oil changes, there’s less of a chance that you will face major repairs. It’s wise to spend a small amount of money on this maintenance regularly to help avoid costly engine repairs later. 

Common oil leak causes

1. Petroleum Filter Degraded

Many oil leaks are caused by oil filters. While it isn’t common, the housing itself can be damaged, causing it to start leaking. Pressure from inside the engine can also cause it to become loose over time, but only if it wasn’t on tight enough in the first place.

It is possible to install your oil filter too tightly. This could damage the gasket. If the gasket is too tight, the oil could leak if it sticks to the engine.  

It is necessary to prevent motor oil contamination from causing any damage. For the most part, if you are changing the filter at regular intervals, the filter should continue doing its job, but it’s also possible to get one that’s defective. 

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2. Failing Gasket

The gaskets keep liquids from escaping the wrong areas of the engine. Gaskets also regulate oil flow as it moves through the engine.

Gaskets have a limited lifespan. As time passes, gaskets will begin to weaken and oil may seep through. Generally, this shouldn’t happen before 100,000 miles but isn’t uncommon if you are hard on the engine. 

3. Broken Oil Filler Cap

The filler cap on the valve cover could be the cause of oil puddles under your car or around the engine. The filler cap on the valve cover can become loosening or broken after many miles. There’s also the possibility that the person changing the oil forgot to put the oil filler cap back on after the service. 

This is one of the most common problems that can be fixed. If you can’t re-adjust the cap, you can purchase a new one. 

4. Extraordinary Oil Consumption

If you just filled up the oil, it’s possible that a minor error has caused the leak. You might have added too much oil to the tank when you filled it up following an oil change. You can remove the oil from your vehicle by simply removing it. 

There’s also the possibility that you spilled some during the process. Clean up any spillages with a clean rag. 

5. Failing Crankshaft Seals

The crankshaft will protrude a bit at both ends of your motor. The motor's oil is kept from getting out by the seals at these points. There are front and rear seals on the crankshaft.

The oil from the crankshaft seal will leak towards the front, near the belt.  The rear crankshaft seal could also be responsible if oil seeps between the transmission and engine. 

How to Fix an Oil Leak

1. Find the cause

Because an oil leak can be caused by many problems, you will need to do some investigative work to find out what’s going on. Check the oil seals under the car. 

It is also possible to verify that your oil pan plug has been securely installed. If you drive an older car, it’s possible you are dealing with multiple oil leaks that have compounded into a bigger problem. 

2. Make use of an additive

A oil leak agent may work depending on what case it is. These additives condition rubber seals to make them more flexible and retain better. 

It can take time for the additives to fully work. It’s only wise to try this option if the leak is minimal and you have a little time to spare. While we recommend that you repair the leak immediately, this option is worth considering if your car is very old and not in your budget.

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3. Reference Service Manual

Before you start fixing the oil leak, it’s important to check the service manual for your vehicle. In some cases, you’ll find that the repair is simple to do at home.

You might need help from a professional if the problem is too complex. In these cases, it’s best to seek help from a professional instead. 

4. Take the initiative to get to work

A few basic tools are all you need for many repairs. Before you start, make sure that you have the right equipment.

You must torque bolts according to manufacturer specifications when you attach them. Throughout the process, refer to your service manual. 

5. Take the vehicle for a test drive

If you think that the problem is repaired, it’s time to check your work. If necessary, check the oil level. Open the hood and turn the engine on. Once the engine is started, open the hood to check for oil leakage. 

You can start to move the vehicle after it has been in use for just a few minutes. Be on the lookout for new oil in your area. Continue to fix the problem if there's oil. Otherwise, it’s time to take your car out for a test drive to ensure everything seems right. 

It is better to maintain your engine than it is to repair it. Also, maintenance can be less expensive. It is less likely that oil leaks will occur if your engine is well maintained.