Have you ever come across leaked oil on the ground beneath your Jaguar? This may sound like a minor problem initially, but a leaking oil pan gasket is actually a big problem in an engine if it continues for long. A gasket is one of the most important parts as far as the engine of a car is concerned because it defines where the oil must be.

When this gasket is no longer able to fit and cover the gap it was meant for, it leads to oil leakage that may end up causing severe problems to your Jaguar engine. Let’s look at the process of diagnosing leakage in the oil pan gasket and the best ways of solving it in Jaguar vehicles.

Oil Pan Gasket: What It Is and Why Does It Leak?

This gasket is found in the oil pan area of your Jaguar and it is used to make a mating face/seal between the engine block and the oil pan. The primary purpose of this small component is to assist in ensuring that the oil in the engine does not escape; so that it can do its job of reducing friction between the moving parts. As the engine of your Jaguar is put to work when driving, the gasket might be affected by heat or other impurities accumulated in the oil and this might make the gasket begin to lose its sealing capacity. When this happens it becomes weak and is most likely to develop problems such as oil leakages.

One of the reasons why you may experience an oil leak from the oil pan gasket is normal wear and tear because the gasket has been in service for a very long time. The gasket material may also get damaged and develop cracks when the temperature of the engine is high. Additionally, if the oil pan bolts are not tightened in the right way, the gasket will not seal properly.

How To Identify a Leaking Oil Pan Gasket in Your Jaguar

• Oil Spots Under the Car: The first and most visible sign that you have a leaking oil pan gasket is the presence of oil stains on your driveway or garage floor. So, if you wake up one morning to find some dark spot on the floor where your Jaguar is parked, you should know that there is a problem somewhere and it could be from a faulty oil pan gasket.
• Low Oil Levels: If you have to fill your engine oil more frequently than usual, it could be a result of a leak from the oil pan gasket. This is true even when there is no apparent sign of an oil spot on the ground; a seeping gasket can leak the oil slowly. When it is time to maintain your Jaguar, check the oil levels, and should you discover that the levels seem to be low, then, you should check the gasket.

Ways To Effectively Repair A Leaking Oil Pan Gasket

• Check and Tighten Bolts: At times the bolts that are used for fixing the oil pan may rust, and as a result, develop small cracks through which oil can drip. Always ensure that the bolts fit and are well tightened without applying too much pressure that might cause the gasket or even the oil pan to crack off.
• Replace the Oil Pan Gasket: The next solution to this issue is to replace the gasket if it is old, cracked, or worn out. This can be achieved by draining out all the oil from the pan, pulling out the oil pan itself, and mounting a new gasket.
• Seek Professional Help: A gasket replacement should not be done at home even if you have the right tools, it’s advisable to take your vehicle to a mechanic who knows how to work on Jaguars. They can help you identify the exact cause of the leak and replace the bad gasket with a new one.

Who Should You Entrust Your Jaguar To?

If you’re searching for a mechanic workshop that deals in European and Asian cars, you can come to us at Masters European & Japanese Auto Repair. Our technicians know that problems like oil leakage from the oil pan gaskets need extensive experience and skills to solve.

When you bring your Jaguar to us, we will make sure that the parts used are of the highest standard. We are based in Mill Valley, CA and we assist drivers from nearby places like Larkspur, Sausalito, Corte Madera, and Tiburon. Call us now to book an appointment.