1997 BMW 318ti Engine Leak Inspection Cost

Engine leak inspections are conducted to ensure the engine is staying sealed at all times. While this normally is focusing on oil loss, coolant loss may be found as well. This works well for maintaining a vehicle that has been identified as losing oil, as a cooling system inspection is typically conducted if the engine is leaking coolant.

There are several systems that can leak oil. Each fluid tends to be a different color, which can help to identify the leaking system.

Engine oil tends to be brown or black. It can be an amber color if it's new oil 

Power steering fluid can be many colors: clear, brown, green or red 

Automatic transmission fluid is reddish in color 

Engine coolant is green, red, orange, or clear. It has a watery consistency different from oil 

If engine oil is found leaking after an oil change, have the shop re-check to make sure that the oil filter and drain plug were properly installed.

An engine leaking oil does not always make a puddle on the ground. A burning smell may be noticed from the front of the vehicle after driving. This is because engine oil leaks may fall onto hot engine components, especially the exhaust manifold, and burn off before making it to the ground. This poses a risk to the engine because the leak going unnoticed may deplete the engine oil reserve, and lead to an oil starvation issue. Some engine oil leaks only occur while the engine is running, so the leak may be larger than the small spot on the ground makes it seem.

For many small oil leaks or oil seepage, the vehicle may be driven to a repair facility. A moderate to large leak should not be driven. Besides pouring engine oil onto the ground, the vehicle may suffer internal engine failure due to oil starvation. If the engine is leaking enough oil to make a puddle, it should be towed into the repair facility to prevent further damage. Get this fixed by a RepairPal Certified Shop

Most vehicle's will have an oil leak at some point in their useful service life. Changing engine oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations will help prolong gasket and seal life.

When diagnosing oil leak symptoms, the technician will conduct a visual inspection of the entire vehicle. There are many systems that can leak fluid. Depending on the progression of the leak, cleaning of suspected areas and usage of UV dyes may be necessary to pinpoint the leakage. Failed engine oil seals and gaskets can cause a mess in the engine bay or along the undercarriage, masking the origin of the fluid. Once leaking components have been resealed or replaced, the engine will be inspected again to ensure a complete repair.

Fluid leaks tend to move in a downward and rearward direction. Therefore, oil leaking under the rear of the engine may have originated at the upper front engine area. One way a shop avoids misdiagnosing oil leaks is to use oil detection dye that helps to pinpoint the exact source of the leak.

Replacing an engine seal or gasket can be very easy, but many require deconstruction of components or even engine removal. Some repairs involve removal of timing components, and internal engine components. In most cases, the oil is drained and the filter replaced. If sludge is found when the seal or gasket is replaced, the technician may make additional service recommendations.