Oil Leak Repairs in Tyne and Wear

Oil escapes from an engine through gaskets, seals or damaged parts. It then runs, drips and sprays about, so the wet patch you see is rarely where the leak begins. Fixing the wrong spot means the leak comes back.

Leaks vary from a minor seep that needs watching to a loss that can leave an engine without oil. This page explains how leaks are traced and repaired.

When a leak needs attention now

Check the oil level. If the red oil pressure light comes on, stop the engine straight away; running without oil quickly destroys it. Low oil with a leak means topping up before you move the car, and getting it looked at.

Oil dripping onto a hot exhaust gives a burning smell and smoke, and heavy leaks onto brakes or tyres are a safety concern. Those need prompt attention.

• Spots or puddles where the car is parked
• Burning oil smell after driving
• Blue or grey smoke from the exhaust
• Oil level dropping between services
• Oil warning light

How we trace and repair it

The first step is cleaning the area. A degreased engine shows where fresh oil appears. Where the source is unclear, a trace dye added to the oil and viewed under UV light can show the path. We also check for blocked breathers, which can build pressure and push oil past seals.

Common sources include the rocker cover gasket, sump gasket, oil filter housing, camshaft and crankshaft seals, and the oil cooler. At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn the failed part is replaced with the matching gasket or seal and the surfaces are cleaned properly. We then run the engine and recheck for fresh oil.

What affects the outcome and the cost

Access is the main factor. A rocker cover gasket is often an easy job, while a rear crankshaft seal can mean separating the engine from the gearbox. That difference in labour is what changes the estimate most, far more than the cost of the seal.

Cause also matters. A seal may have failed because of worn parts, excess crankcase pressure or old age. If the root cause is not corrected, a new seal may not last. We will say so at the estimate.

• Location of the leak
• How much has to be removed to reach it
• Underlying cause such as pressure or wear
• Condition of surrounding parts

Additives and alternatives

Stop-leak additives are sold as quick fixes. We would not rely on them as a lasting repair, and some can affect seals or oil flow. A genuine repair means fixing the leak at its source.

Where a leak is very slight, monitoring the oil level and fixing at the next convenient time can be reasonable. We will tell you honestly which situation you are in.