Detecting oil stains below your Jaguar is disheartening especially when you have no idea what could have caused it. One of the most frequent complaints for Jaguar owners is oil leakage and a common cause is an oil pan gasket failure.
This gasket, like every other seal in your vehicle, plays an important role in keeping oil where it should be – in your engine. But if it starts to leak and you leave it unchecked then it might result in more serious engine issues in the long run. Here are common signs that you have a faulty gasket in the oil pan area and the steps you should take to resolve the issue.
Why Is An Oil Pan Gasket Necessary?
Oil pan gasket might not be the most fascinating of components in your Jaguar but it is very important. The engine oil in your Jaguar has the duty of keeping the engine parts lubricated and cool when in use. This oil is stored in the oil pan which is usually located close to the engine block. The gasket is needed to ensure there is a tight seal between these two engine parts. In its proper working condition, this gasket helps the oil remain within the engine instead of escaping and at the same time, keeps the other parts of the engine properly lubricated. But in the long run, the gasket may wear out or when exposed to high heat or low temperatures it may weaken or fail.
A worn-out oil pan gasket will cause seepage and leakage of oil and in the process lead to low levels of the oil. When you don’t have enough oil, the engine may overheat or there might be a lot of friction which will make parts of your engine experience faster wear and tear.
Symptoms Your Oil Pan Gasket Needs Replacement
- Oil Leaks Under Your Car: The first and most apparent indication that your oil pan gasket is failing is oil leakage. If there is oil spread around the floor on your driveway or there are small stains of oil in your garage, then there is something wrong with the gasket.
- Low Oil Levels: If you’re always adding oil to your Jaguar without really knowing why, maybe it is due to a leaking oil pan gasket. It is dangerous to run your engine when it is low on oil.
- Smoke from the Engine Bay: Oil leaks can also be evidenced by smoke coming from the engine compartment particularly if the oil is dripping on the exhaust system. This is a very big problem that needs to be addressed as early as possible.
How to Fix Your Jaguar’s Oil Pan Gasket
- Inspection and Diagnosis: The first measure to correct an oil pan gasket is to examine the vehicle carefully to ensure that the gasket is the culprit. An auto mechanic will physically check for oil leaks around the oil pan and other related engine parts to ensure that the problem is not with components in proximity like a loose drain plug or a valve cover gasket.
- Removing the Old Gasket: After the oil pan has been pulled out, the mechanic then takes out the old gasket on the pan. The next step involves washing the surface well to ensure no residue or any material is in contact with the surface to which the new gasket will be fitted.
- Installing the New Gasket: The new gasket is then fitted appropriately over the oil pan in a way that doesn’t misalign with either the oil pan or the engine block. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, a small quantity of sealant may be used to increase the gasket’s life and improve the tightness of the seal.
Terry Sayther Automotive Should Be Your Go-to For All Your Jaguar Needs
If you are a Jaguar owner and you are looking for a repair shop that will work on your car then you should make sure that the shop you choose is well acquainted with your brand.
Terry Sayther Automotive is a skilled auto service company that deals with European vehicles, especially Jaguars, and we pride ourselves on offering quality services. If you have identified some of the signs associated with the oil pan gasket, then you should not wait. Our team of experienced mechanics can identify the issue and recommend the best way to make it work optimally again. We have our garage in Austin, TX but we are excited to assist drivers from nearby such as Lakeway, Tarrytown, Buda, and Kyle, TX. For more information and to book an appointment, please call or fill out the form on our contact page.