How To Find Engine Oil Leaks In Your Car ~ Fast and Easy

Engine oil leaks are extremely common, and finding the source of an oil leak can be tricky some times. In this video I will show you several easy ways to trace engine oil leaks on any car. These engine oil leak tips can also be used to find any fluid leak in your car. We will use UV dye and baby powder to find the exact place engine oil or any fluid is leaking. Thanks to Advance Auto Parts for teaming up with us for this video #humblemechanic
UV Oil Dye ~ bit.ly/2V3zPvx
UV Coolant Dye ~ bit.ly/2ByDASP
UV Light Kit ~ bit.ly/2V6kn1U
Brake Cleaner ~ bit.ly/3euNAeM
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Disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@HumbleMechanic]

How you can be confident in finding your own oil leak on your car. I was also able to score you guys 25% off at Advance Auto Parts. Use the code "HUMBLEOILLEAK" when you check out and some some $$$$!!!

[@cosmicmirror1320]

Awesomeness my fav auto zone .. but I make a change for 25%off

[@cosmicmirror1320]

Ones n South Carolina iffy .adv.

[@doomsayer559]

Anyway you could be awesome humble and give me the part numbers for those cam adjuster seals or orings on the TSI engine you pointed out? Ive had a pesky leak on mine and that may be what it is. I've had it in the shop 3 times for oil leaks.

[@leonautomotive1225]

Thanks, been using this for years now excellent stuff....

[@lk7496]

2010 VW CC, p2015, any experience with this code? Word is I may be looking at new intake manifold?

[@georgehuser4711]

I just put a small cup under the engine and the oil that leaks out I just simply pour back to the engine the next morning.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Recycling!!

[@cosmicmirror1320]

Awesome

[@TheMinecraftfreak668]

This is beyond science.

[@aarond23]

Instructions followed...cup flew away in the wind.

[@nativewear23]

Wow thanks I never thought off that!!

[@bhumphries1360]

My Dad would have enjoyed your channel. He started as a mechanic back in 1945. And he worked all the way through till 1993 when he passed away from heart failure. He absolutely loved working on cars. He was also an avid car racer. We have a local track where he went. (Of course when he was much younger). But he would have loved to watch all of your videos. I feel like my Dad is sitting next to me as I watch them. Thank you for the content and excellent advice!

[@subtoRey]

My condolences!

[@EnigmaEngineering]

Great video. I added some dye to my NB miata's engine oil after watching this, and now the entire car is glowing

[@thehourglasswithaman]

That’s sounds a lot like my Chevy Beretta

[@had1223]

Nice paint job hack!! 👌 🤣

[@YT_Gaming_HD]

My BMW glows in the dark now.

[@frankmichealson3995]

Does oil leaks still dangerous and needs to be worked on even if you often tops it with oil.

[@Z-Ack]

Was that a question, statement or a stroke?

[@franksm2001]

Added oil dye to my '93 Range Rover. Now my driveway can be seen from space, as well as the route I took to the shopping centre, where I parked, and back home

[@boelensds]

if it does not leak it is broken.

[@KC-lu7vo]

Take advantage of your belly pan removal to degrease it completely as this can lead to an early indicator of oil leaks if you are removing it for inspection after every oil & filter change. Way to go humble. Another great vid.

[@kendzii]

7:05 I didn't expect that 😂

[@geronimo67]

Great info. I was pondering an oil leak in my van. I was searching for oil pump info and coincidentally this video came up in the results page. Great timing. I'll follow the steps tomorrow to locate the oil leak.

[@labradormcgraw]

One of the very auto guys who produce videos that are entertaining to everyone, even if the content doesn't apply to their circumstances. Gotta love the Humble Mechanic.

[@JOHNRMECH]

Thank you for your service, I wrenched for years and I always hated diagnosing/repairing oil leaks.

[@1notgilty]

In my experience the black light dye is the best way to find a leak. It's fast, cheap and works like a charm. Just make sure you use the right kind of dye for the type of leak you're trying to track down. Don't use coolant leak dye to try to find an oil leak and vise versa.

[@tinacreed9160]

Any suggestions I put the engine die in to detect oil leak, the crime-scene lit up at the front of the engine down below the radiator in the front right corner, has anyone had this happen,? I would welcome any advice,

[@rustbeltfab]

I’ve been killing myself trying to find an oil leak on my first gen EcoBoost in my truck and I totally forgot about this stuff. So glad your video came up on my recommended videos. Thanks, bud!

[@signups7035]

Eco techs are the end of me. They will never stop leaking oil lol

[@Nefariousrouge]

I hate to say "the internet" as a tool of diagnosis, but talking with a lot of other people online can give you a good insight into what you might want to check out if you are searching for a leak on your own vehicle.

[@theequeenbeast2746]

Great video, good humor during an auto video is rare, 2 neighborhood mechanics told me 2 different causes and 1 claimed he fixed it so I hope this helps me locate the real cause.

[@TyTowriss]

Your videos are great! I do video professionally and d.i.y. cars. You may be the opposite, but sure can't tell. Very excellent production quality, camera shots, audio levels, graphics, pacing and editing. Especially love the attention to lighting and steady camera shots/moves. The light rig under the hood behind you is fantastic and very creative. Wow. Great work! And I'm about to go diagnose my wife's oil leak now. Thanks.

[@ja.935g67]

That light setup is lit! 😳👍

[@TormentedPenguin]

Front crank seal leaks are also another common spot, and they present as oil pan gasket leaks due to how low they are and they are hidden by the crank pulley. Most of the time, it is the oil pan, but don't get fooled and spend the 2 minutes looking at that seal before settling on the oil pan. It can also save you some time if it turns out the seal is buggered because the thrust bearings are gone. Another great video

[@Russell-rc6qq]

These are the leaks resolved in my car over the last year: valve covers, water pump, oil pan gasket, oil pressure sending unit (I just had this redone on 6/22/22), timing cover gaskets, power steering rack, front struts, rear drum brake cylinders (eight total leaks). There is still a small drip occurring from the oil pan drain plug. I don't think it is the drain plug itself (which appears to be fairly new) but where the oil is accumulating from wherever it's coming from. Where do I look for the front crank seal(s)? This is on a 2001 Pontiac Aztek, by the way.

[@slappysloth]

Production quality recently has been nuts! Keep it up, man!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you. Always trying to get better for you guys

[@gilmello8296]

That’s not a leak, that’s New England rust prevention 😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

HHahhahahhahahaha

[@laiky71]

Yeah, and it WORKS!

[@MrSpartanicus]

It’s almost stupid at just how accurate this is... just sayin

[@marqueeviveiros8412]

So true 🤣😂🤣😂

[@macelius]

Self-oiling underbody.

[@VladoT]

Thank you for your detailed explanation, great videos!

[@feliciajones5920]

It's so hard to find a good and honest mechanic! Uggh!!!

[@Fullfill253]

Wow my respects bro you just save my car with all this info, i have an oil leak that has been driving me nuts and i couldn't find it after watching your video i went and pop my hood to find the oil leak coming from a missing gasket when they did my oil change last time., so far is what i have noticed and i hope thats it, if it wasn't for your video i was gonna probably get my paycheck stolen lol, thanks a lot for this video again dude you are awesome

[@juliantaylor9585]

Love your talk. Will be using your ideas 👍

[@inverseuniverse5727]

Many techs look for an active leak while engine is hot . I like to check when cold , engine seals leak cold and expand and soften seals better when warm .

[@i.fishtank]

Fantastic tips, and confirmed my theory of what's leaking on my wife's Nissan Micra. I will be returning for more great tips, thank you!

[@soeren72]

The powder in beard was epic

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah thanks

[@vee4410]

This must have taken alot of time to produce, great job as always👍👍👍

[@glasser2819]

yep, I like how its really complete, specially pointing at a failed PCV as the top culprit. Everything needs to be replaced eventually..., the only question is: - what is next? 👍

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

Great video, and channel. This is valuable information. The way social media should be used!

[@vtk5]

Great video! Thanks so much for the info and excellent presentation.

[@naveedafridi5796]

Perfect video on oil leak, very well explanation

[@McHighler]

Very informative video, thank you. I learned a lot from it.

[@velez910]

There is a standard for leaks Class one- oil staining or creep Class 2 -viable drops but not dripping off the surface Class 3- visibly dripping off surface

[@nothanks3462]

Class 4 Land Rover

[@dennisfernau8076]

@@nothanks3462 Haha! True that....

[@fakiirification]

class 5: BMW

[@onthemolly]

​@@fakiirification haha all bmws leak oil if they dont that means it has no oil in the engine

[@demondaniels5095]

I was dreading watching 12 minutes but i knew i had to. After watching the 12 minutes didnt waste any time. All valuable knowledge. Great job.

[@cosmicmirror1320]

My #1 .. your light set up is phenomenal ... Hail VW..🤯

[@BenState]

Spielberg eat your heart out at those intro special effects!

[@brandeebrown5238]

Thanks for the explaining!

[@FD-dh2fu]

Love it!! Great detail many thanks.

[@gordgdjohnson]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@marshacowan1252]

This was great! I never knew about powder or fluorescent glows to check oil leaks. Thanks!

[@scottfirman]

Growing up and owning many clunker, I considered an oil leak as a rust preventative. Living in Northern Michigan and rusty vehicles, I didn't bother with oil leaks on any of my vehicles unless it was on the manifold and smoking. On Chevys, it was usually the rear main oil seal that leaked. On Fords and AMC it was usually the valve covers or timing chain case cover. Transmission or power steering leaks were un- acceptable however and I always fixed those. Brake leaks are a sure way to die, so that ALWAYS got addressed immediately.

[@davismize]

Nice!

[@ceescorner]

Appreciate your videos 👌🏽 i'm in the field and see all this all the time. Yet find it entertaining to watch

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ceescorner]

@@HumbleMechanic no, thank you for the content 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@liorlevi3991]

Great video! Good job! Thank you 👍

[@nhzxboi]

Funny Story: Oil leaks. Ford Recall 1994 or so. Someone loaded a crate of 460V8 "counter-screw" crankshafts(They spin counter-clockwise in marine applications) into the assembly line of F-59 engines(motor home). The one and only difference was the knurling on the rear main seal area. The knurling is intended to push oil in but when they spin the wrong way, it pushes oil out. You could replace the seal 100x and it wouldn't make any difference. There were only 50 of these but I got 2 of them. Makes me laugh now. Recall: replace crankshaft. Pretty serious repair!

[@survivormary1126]

Sounds like you have same luck as me. Bet that made for some crappy vacations!

[@davidm3210]

Very nice tutorial, thank you captain.

[@SouthernOregonReps]

Very informative! Thx

[@reallyhappenings5597]

I tolerate zero leaks. No leaks anywhere in my life. Best way is to spot them early.

[@jeffreymarley6877]

Well done, thanks!

[@averyalexander2303]

Great tips! I need to change my Civic's valve cover gasket soon, fortunately not a big deal.

[@juancisneros2831]

Ùí

[@1962coral]

Great video, thanks!!

[@aygwm]

Literally just did the valve cover on my Miata last night. Pretty crazy how much oil can leak from there.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep!! So much oil hahha

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

EXCELLENT points, don't think you missed anything

[@geruner]

Good associated issues presented.

[@icebearplays7843]

Thank you for the vid i needed it for my truck👍

[@victoraurimirpichardocalde6825]

Great video Charles! Now I'm going oil leak hunting! I let you know if I find the stupid leak on my Audi....

[@donjalex2262]

Thank you! Huge help!

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Just acquired a 1981 Mercedes S-Class with the legendary turbo diesel, long driven and neglected by the flaky previous owner. Looks like the Exxon Valdez under the hood. A horrendous amount of oil has migrated all over the place from 3-6 likely different sources. I've got some filthy work ahead!

[@brandeebrown5238]

Thanks for the help!

[@olitonottero7620]

super helpful thank you

[@gildardomagallon]

Very good explanation

[@carolgoforth3697]

Wow! This guy knows what he's talking about!

[@user-wn5gs1sr2j]

THANK YOU

[@roadstar499]

Have a leak in a 2005 altima... i jacked up and looked with spot light and cleaned under neath today.. . i have had many value covers leak in the past....i will look more tomorrow and add some dye,which to me seems like the best option ... i hope its not in a bad area...thanks for sharing

[@jbob6545]

very useful thanx man

[@vinceking7878]

Exerlent video, very helpful for me

[@dgb336]

Fantastic video, very informative. Single lady here, buy used cars and have to choose wisely then maintain on a low budget so I search lots of videos which are always useful but dragged out long videos for one solution and less informative than this/ yours so thank you.

[@mainsfortes5778]

Engine oil leaks come from these locations: Valve cover gasket, Oil pan gasket, VVT valve o - rings, Front end seal, Rear end seal, oil pressure switch sensors, drain plug, oil filter. Most common sources are the valve cover and oil pan gaskets drying up, getting brittle and leaky. Parts cost for both around 35 dollars or less. Difficulty medium Messy, medium.

[@wmluna381]

Thanks for all of this information!

[@kuldipdhak7972]

Very good video thanks

[@unclebs4732]

I have used baby powder to help me find oil leaks for forty years, works good and it's cheap.

[@HumbleMechanic]

The price is the BEST LOL

[@carolynekeeler]

Charles you are so awesome with the discounts! Once again this has been a fun & most informative video to watch. Of course, I shall be using your techniques on my Touareg’s engine because I do have a small oil leak somewhere in there :-0

[@amorenita4768]

This is so cool. Love learning about this stuff.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks! and SAME

[@stuarthipkins8336]

Cornstarch...works nice .

[@joecffv1]

thanks very good info

[@magentatrifoil]

Great video!

[@ghostwrench2292]

What under hood light is that? I love how it goes on 3 sides! Where can I get one?

[@shaazy]

Awesome video. Had a question, is engine degreaser or brake cleaner safe for spraying on the alternator? My oil leak has caked up alternator from the bottom.

[@pinalloy6505]

great information

[@Lester-td6sq]

Great video! Talking about the PCV valve, what else can be changed within the same emission system?

[@Mrkevi123]

Dip stick seal can be broken too.

[@BasketballAve]

Love your videos...!!

[@gimmefuel7268]

Awesome vid!!!! 😁👍🏻 Question, did you empty the entire bottle of dye into the crankcase??

[@andrewpaige9152]

Dreading the day it's happens on my GC8 WRX MY99 :( But all good here so far as it is babied and very well taken care of. Love your videos cheers from down under Australia

[@GibsonAltidor]

@humblemechanic you are awesome and thorough even as a mechanic myself I can say you need to be a trainer or work at a tech school....many so called mechanics I've seen would be quick to say this or that and never fix the real issue....

[@EnglishFuture-xg1gw]

word

[@rudolfkozdon]

Profesional DIY video No.1

[@ethanluu3011]

I didn’t have an oil leak i just really enjoy my engine •_• so lets not shine a black light in there

[@wim0104]

yes, the PCV refresh should be part of any gasket or oil leak job.

[@kentpayen8848]

I gotta say tho i like the beard...loving this channel.great knowledge

[@kenilinokenilino5060]

Great Video and Good Learnings. Have you ever experienced oil leak between the Cylinder Head and Engine Block on a 2.0 TSI Engine? I am currently experiencing some thing of such nature. Any Clues??? I am also seeing leaks from the lower timing cover....could this probably be spreading across the Cylinder Head mating surface and giving me false assumptions. Valve Cover looks great all round.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Never. It’s always somewhere higher in what I’ve seen. It totally could be on yours. But rule out everything else!

[@billyfeldhahn5224]

Very thorough !

[@billyfeldhahn5224]

However, I've seen on more than one occasion the oil seal on the old filter will sometimes separate and stay on the engine mating surface. It will blow out immediately with the new filter installed. Did I miss the part on a leaking oil sending sensor ? They will leak, and on these modern engines they are very hard to locate . Often hidden, completely out of your view. The 5.7 Hemi is a good example of this. You must remove the alternator to expose it. Nothing at all like the " good old days". But still a thorough tutorial 👍

[@alkalineph9446]

BMW Owners: YES mine leaks there there and there lol

[@TormentedPenguin]

BMWs, it's only a problem if it doesn't leak.. then it's out of oil.

[@criticalthinker7822]

Thank you sir

[@dubaidesertsafariworld732]

May Allah bless you brother it's very helpful info thanks

[@misanthrope4483]

"Unintended thermal reaction"....👍👍👍

[@amirhoseinkargar3733]

Hey . You gotta pretty amazing videos

[@SeanBZA]

Friend solved it on a Golf, got a VW remanufactured engine and put it in. All new seals, 2 year warranty and cheaper than stripping the engine down and replacing every seal, new bearings, doing the head and new rings. The one he got was a leftover engine from the production line for that model, basically never used.

[@michaelzaug8750]

That was a damn good video!

[@heteroerektus3103]

Thanks Humble dude...Q: I have a Toyota Prado Auto 4x4 Landcruiser and am constantly filling up on engine oil as there are puddles of oil leak after a trip (long or short). The Mechanic says that its a 'leaking oil chamber.' depending upon the terminology, is it the same as 'leaking oil pan' or something else?? Appreciate the help

[@FDB77]

Well, time to find the leaks coming from my Miata's engine!

[@N-JOEI]

same :(

[@tsaltslinger3268]

Great video! Wish I had seen this decades and thousands and thousands of dollars ago. Thanks! ....I know,...it's a new video...still.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ahah glad to help. :)

[@WFO.]

Thanks

[@georgecurtis6463]

I used powdered foot spray. It could find a leak dye couldnt. But yea, dye was the way to go.

[@suicidalsickness]

Awesome.. Thank you. I think it's my pcv valve. I've been ignoring it for so long