Is there a special maintenance mechanics use to find oil leaks?

Question

I recently went to Jiffy Lube for an oil change and they told me that there was oil leaking everywhere from the bottom. So I decided to try and find the leakage, however, I don't know if there's a special maintenance that is required. If so, can anyone tell me the name and the estimated cost? Oh and its a 2000 Mitsubishi Diamante.

Answer 1

not really! it could be leaking from the oil filter, the oil pan gasket or it might be leaking up above and running down. if it,s leaking really bad under your car, it might be the rear main seal or the front seal.

Answer 2

First off was you oil low.  Secondly there are other things that will cause you car to use oil...

Most Jiffy lubes will do not do maintance on a care other then oil changes.  So if they say there is a leak there maybe...  

If it truely is all over the bottom you are probably looking at one of two things.  A oil pan gasket, or maybe last time the oil change was done they did not get the plug tight.  If you have oil all over the bottom you should be able to see it pretty easily...  Check you oil pan is if dirty if it is and it is clean above the gasket you are probably looking at a gasket...

Answer 3

I wouldn't let Jiffy Lube be my final word on maintenance. Get a certified mechanic to look at it. If you've been checking the oil and it's not using any, it's not leaking. I'm assuming you never check it though.  

Answer 4

I'll let you in on secret that mechanics don't want you to know. If they say that it's leaking everywhere from the bottom, then they have no idea where it's leaking from. What you need to do is clean the area and then drive it a short distance and see where the leak really is.

Answer 5

no, usually you can just tell if you're experienced. whether its the valve covers, or rear main or whatever

Answer 6

if it's really a disaster, degrease it first and let it dry.  Then run it and use your eyes, flashlight, mirrors.  If it's really elusive, you can dump some ultraviolet dye in the oil and look for the leak with a blacklight.

Another trick I've used is after degrease and dry, to coat the thing with

an aerosol foot powder..  as soon at the leak starts, it makes a big black spot that's easy to see.

Patrick

Answer 7

if its all over the bottom of the engine, theres a good chance its the front seal of the engine... degrease it & check it...  

Answer 8

first get a second opinion about the oil leak. a lot of these places tell you this in hope of getting the repair job.  there is a additive to the oil and then in about 2 or 3 days the garage can use a special light to show any leaks.