Oil Fill Cap Removed Step 2 - The oil filter is used to remove carbon and other impurities created by the combustion process. This filter is subject to oil pressure supplied by the pump, and will leak if:
- The filter is not tight
- The oil filter seal has failed
- The seal from a pervious filter is still on the engine.
Oil Filter Leak
Oil Drain Plug Leak Step 4 - The oil pressure sender is used to send feedback data to the PCM (powertrain control module) and oil pressure gauge or light in the instrument cluster. This sensor is subject to oil pressure much like the oil filter and when failure occurs can leak, this sensor is typically located near the oil filter.
Oil Pressure Sender - Unplugged Step 5 - Valve covers are used to encapsulate the valvetrain and control oil leakage. This cover is used in conjunction with a gasket which is located between the cover and the cylinder head. When this gasket ages, it can become brittle and crack allowing oil to leak. In other cases the valve cover can work itself loose which also can cause the aforementioned leak.
Valve Cover Gasket Removed Step 6 - An engine is designed with a number of shaft seals (front-rear main and camshaft), a timing belt style of engine has more shaft seals which include cam and balance shaft seals. These seals are designed to ride against a smooth turning shaft while controlling the oil that surrounds it. Heat and usage can cause these seals to become brittle and leak. Depending on the location of the seal, replacement procedures could vary from removing the transmission, to disassembly of the engine front.
Front Main Seal - Balancer Removed Step 7 - Timing chain style engines are designed with a cover that seals to the engine block front using a gasket which controls oil, this gasket can fail due to heat and usage and must be replaced to fix the leak.
Timing Cover Step 8 - Some engines are designed with an engine oil cooler-adapter that seals to the block with a gasket or "O" ring seal, heat can cause these seals or adapter-cooler to fail and leak.
Oil Cooler Adapter Step 9 - A oil level sensor is used to provide feedback data for the PCM which illuminates a warning light to alert the driver of the oil level, when this sensor fails it can leak allowing oil to exit the engine.
Oil Level Sender - Unplugged Step 10 - An oil pan is used to collect oil into a centralized area allowing the oil pump to re-circulate it back into the engine. This pan is bolted to the bottom of the engine and uses a gasket to seal it to the block, if the oil pan gasket fails it can cause an oil leak and must be replaced.