Oil Leaking from Engine

Seeing oil seeping from the engine itself narrows things down. The location on the engine block tells you which gasket or seal has failed.

When oil is visibly leaking from the engine — not just dripping on the ground but actually wet on the engine surface — you can often trace it to the source. Oil on the top or sides of the engine usually means valve cover gaskets. Oil around the front of the engine near the belts suggests the timing cover gasket or front crank seal. Oil at the back of the engine between the engine and transmission points to the rear main seal. Oil at the very bottom indicates the oil pan gasket or a damaged oil pan.

Oil leaking onto hot exhaust components is a fire hazard and will produce a burning smell inside the cabin. This is especially concerning with valve cover leaks on transversely mounted engines (most front-wheel-drive cars) where the exhaust manifold sits right below the valve cover. If you smell burning oil — a sharp, acrid smell — don't wait on the repair. Oil dripping on the serpentine belt can also cause it to slip and squeal, taking out your alternator, A/C, and power steering function.

We fix engine oil leaks as a mobile mechanic across Jacksonville, FL. Valve cover gaskets are one of our most frequent repairs — usually $200-$400 depending on the engine. We bring the gasket set, clean everything up, and reseal it in your driveway. No tow, no shop visit, and we clean up the mess so you can see if the leak is actually fixed. Call (904) 788-7272.