Engine Oil Leaks on the Outside of the Engine
Check for leakage at the seals at each end of the crankshaft. Look for leakage at the gasket for the engine oil pan and all lubrication system connections. Look for any engine oil that may be leaking from the crankcase breather. This can be caused by combustion gas leakage around the pistons. A dirty crankcase breather will cause high pressure in the crankcase. A dirty crankcase breather will cause the gaskets and the seals to leak.
Engine Oil Leaks into the Combustion Area of the Cylinders
Engine oil that is leaking into the combustion area of the cylinders can be the cause of blue smoke. There are several possible ways for engine oil to leak into the combustion area of the cylinders:
- Failed valve stem seals
- Leaks between worn valve guides and valve stems
- Worn components or damaged components (pistons, piston rings, or dirty return holes for the engine oil)
- Incorrect installation of the compression ring and/or the intermediate ring
- Leaks past the seal rings in the turbocharger shaft
- Overfilling of the crankcase
- Wrong dipstick or guide tube
- Sustained operation at light loads
Excessive consumption of engine oil can also result if engine oil with the wrong viscosity is used. Engine oil with a thin viscosity can be caused by fuel leakage into the crankcase or by increased engine temperature.