1A3 -- 10 GENERAL ENGINE INFORMATION
D AEW OO M Y_2000
DIAGNOSIS
OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS
Most fluid oil leaks are easily located and repaired by
visually finding the leak and replacing or repairing the
necessary parts. On some occasions a fluid leak may be
difficult to locate or repair. The following procedures may
help you in locating and repairing most leaks.
Finding the Leak
1. Identify the fluid. Determine whether it is engine oil,
automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid,
etc.
2. Identify where the fluid is leaking from.
2.1 After running the vehicle at normal operating
temperature, park the vehicle over a large sheet
of paper.
2.2 Wait a few minutes.
2.3 You should be able to find the approximate loca-
tion of the leak by the drippings on the paper.
3. Visually check around the suspected component.
Check around all the gasket mating surfaces for
leaks. A mirror is useful for finding leaks in areas that
are hard to reach.
4. If the leak still cannot be found, it may be necessary
to clean the suspected area with a degreaser, steam
or spray solvent.
4.1 Clean the area well.
4.2 Dry the area.
4.3 Operate the vehicle for several miles at normal
operating temperature and varying speeds.
4.4 After operating the vehicle, visually check the
suspected component.
4.5 If you still cannot locate the leak, try using the
powder or black light and dye method.
Powder Method
1. Clean the suspected area.
2. Apply an aerosol-- type powder (such as foot powder)
to the suspected area.
3. Operate the vehicle under normal operating condi-
tions.
4. Visually inspect the suspected component. You
should be able to trace the leak path over the white
powder surface to the source.
Black Light and Dye Method
A dye and light kit is available for finding leaks, Refer to
the manufacturer ’s directions when using the kit.
1. Pour the specified amount of dye into the engine oil fill
tube.
2. Operate the vehicle normal operating conditions as
directed in the kit.
3. Direct the light toward the suspected area. The dyed
fluid willappear as a yellow path leading to the
source.
Repairing the Leak
Once the origin of the leak has been pinpointed and
traced back to its source, the cause of the leak must be
determined n order for it to be repaired properly. If a gas-
ket is replaced, but the sealing flange is bent, the new
gasket will not repair the leak. Thebent flange must be
repaired also. Before attempting to repair a leak, check
for the following conditions and correct them as they
may cause a leak.
Gaskets
DThe fluid level/pressure is too high.
DThe crankcase ventilation system is malfunctioning.
DThe fasteners are tightened improperly or the threads
are dirty or damaged.
DThe flanges or the sealing surface is warped.
DThere are scratches, burrs or other damage to the
sealing surface.
DThe gasket is damaged or worn.
DThere is cracking or porosity of the component.
DAn improper seal was used (where applicable).
Seals
DThe fluid level/pressure is too high.
DThe crankcase ventilation system is malfunctioning.
DThe seal bore is damaged (scratched, burred or
nicked).
DThe seal is damaged or worn.
DImproper installation is evident.
DThere are cracks in the components.
DThe shaft surface is scratched, nicked or damaged.
DA loose or worn bearing is causing excess seal wear.
