Engine
    medium urgency
    car
    truck
    rv

    Why Is My Engine Leaking Oil?

    Typical repair cost: $100–$1,800

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    Common Symptoms

    Drips under car
    Burning oil smell
    Low oil light
    Blue smoke
    Oily residue on engine

    Most Likely Causes

    1

    Valve cover gasket

    Most common; affordable repair. Often leaks down the back of the engine.

    2

    Oil pan gasket / drain plug

    Drain plug crush washer or pan gasket fails over time.

    3

    Rear main seal

    Leaks between engine and transmission — labor-intensive repair.

    4

    Timing cover gasket

    Common on higher-mileage engines; requires significant disassembly.

    5

    PCV valve failure

    Causes crankcase pressure buildup that pushes oil past seals.

    How a Shop Diagnoses It

    1. 1.Clean engine, then UV dye to pinpoint source.
    2. 2.Inspect PCV system operation.
    3. 3.Check for over-tightened drain plug or stripped threads.

    When to see a professional

    Lose more than a quart between oil changes — get it diagnosed before something seizes.

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    Related Engine problems

    Keep exploring

    Fix it yourself or hire a pro

    oil
    passenger

    Parts pros use for this job

    • •Engine oil
    • •Oil filter
    • •Drain plug gasket

    Tools pros use

    • •Oil filter wrench
    • •Drain pan
    • •Funnel set

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