Identifying Oil Pan Gasket Leak Symptoms
Oil pan gasket leaks should be identified as quickly as possible. Failure to catch a leak early on can lead to increased oil pan gasket leak repair costs further down the road.
Below are some of the events behind a leaking oil pan gasket, if it’s safe to drive under that condition, and how much those necessary repairs will cost.
What Causes Oil Pan Gaskets To Leak?
Impact Damage
Road debris can rather easily damage your vehicle’s oil pans and gaskets because they are located beneath the engine. Driving over rough roads or taking on rough terrains exposes your oil pan to potential damage and, therefore, an oil pan leak.
The pan is far more likely to sustain damage and leak if it is cast in aluminum instead of stamped steel. The damage typically incurred is a hole punched in the pan or a crack in its exterior.
Incorrect Installations
Human error exists as a possible culprit behind why your oil pan gasket leaks.
It may happen that one of the gaskets that keep oil inside is improperly installed.
Most commonly, this happens when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket are over-tightened. It can also happen when tightness is not evenly distributed.
Another reason can be the improper attachment of the oil filter, as the engine oil flows continuously through it, and if it’s loose, you can experience a leak there.
Bad Rings or Valve Seals
Leaking rings or valve seals can also cause your vehicle to lose oil. That said, if there aren’t any holes in your gaskets, that oil won’t leak outside of the engine. It will get burned up during combustion, making it extremely hard for you to see any leaks.
Although you won’t see the leaking oil, you may smell the burning oil in your vehicle’s cabin. Visually, you may also observe blue smoke and major damage to your engine. Address the issue ASAP and take your vehicle in to be looked at by a professional.
Oil Pan Gasket Leak Symptoms
Leaking oil symptoms are, for the most part, very straightforward. Some common identifiable symptoms include:
Visible Puddle Of Oil Beneath The Car
A pool of oil accumulating beneath your can is a clear indication of a possible leaking oil pan or gasket.
Your engine can, however, leak from other places, so it is best to get the exact source of the leak figured out. Ensure that no components above the pan are dripping down and causing you to think the pan is leaking.
Low Oil Level
Lower than usual oil levels can be an indication of a leak somewhere, possibly from the oil pan.
Your engine is a complex piece of machinery and, therefore, can leak from many different locations.
The heat they create will also burn that oil up, so it’s best to take your car in and let a professional tell you exactly where the leak is originating from.
Smoke/Burning Smell Coming Out of the Engine Compartment
If smoke is coming from under your hood, then it’s a clear sign something is wrong with your vehicle. Leaking oil from your engine may be one of several reasons why smoke is present.
Sometimes, oil drips onto the hot exhaust and vaporizes nearly instantly. This, however, isn’t happening due to an oil pan leak (unless the leak is severe enough to blow back on the exhaust while driving). Leaking oil symptoms are, for the most part, very straightforward.
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Is It Safe To Drive With An Oil Pan Gasket Leak?
While it’s possible to drive with an oil pan gasket leak, it is not entirely safe to do so. Once you’re aware of a leak, you should check your oil levels daily in order to avoid severe complications.
Any significant oil loss should be corrected by adding the necessary amount of engine oil. A leaking oil pan gasket should be replaced quickly, whether by yourself or a trusted auto repair center as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Failure to do so can cause more severe damage to the components of your engine, create smoke, and even result in a catastrophic fire.
Oil Pan Gasket Leak Repair Costs
Across the nation, the average cost of replacing a leaky oil pan gasket is between $400 and $500.
The parts themselves range between $120 and $130, while the labor costs make up the brunt of the payment at a range of $300 and $400.
This range may vary based on your specific vehicle and/or specific location. Furthermore, neither taxes nor fees are included in the estimates. Additional repairs that may be related to the leaking oil pan gasket are also not accounted for.
Oil pan gaskets should be repaired as quickly as possible. Your driveway, exhaust, and engine may be harmed by a defective oil pan. Furthermore, the costs of regular oil replacements can absolutely begin to stack up!
How To Sell A Car With A Leaking Oil Pan Gasket
CarBrain specializes in buying less-than-perfect cars and your vehicle with the leaking oil pan gasket is no exception!
At CarBrain, we aim to make sure your entire process goes as smooth and easy as possible. It’s so easy, we can break it down into three simple steps:
Get your free quote! Enter basic information about your car on our website and you’ll receive a free and guaranteed quote within 90 seconds.This quote is viable for seven days, so don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision.
Schedule your pickup within 24-48 hours! If you’re happy with your quote, you’ll be able to schedule your vehicle retrieval with one of our partners within your area.
They’re trusted to come to you at a time that works best for you and towing is completely complimentary, so no unforeseen fees will cut into your profits.
Complete your sale! A short inspection and transfer of your title on site is all that separates you from the amount you were quoted. There’s no haggling or fuss; We take your vehicle off your hands and put money in them.
Contact CarBrain today and sell your car quickly without leaving the comfort of your own home!
