Engine Oil Leak from Above Oil Filter

An engine oil leak from above the oil filter may be found on some 2016-2019 Cruze; 2016-2022 Malibu; 2018-2022 Equinox, Terrain; 2019-2022 Encore and Trax models equipped with the 1.4L engine (RPO LE2) or 1.5L engine (RPO LYX, LFV).

The leak may appear to be related to the lower-crankcase extension to block-sealing surfaces or to block porosity. However, warranty analysis shows that this oil leak may be coming from the turbocharger oil feed pipe fitting at the engine block (Fig. 12) or from the engine oil cooler gasket.

 

Fig. 12

 

Prior to removing the lower crankcase extension or replacing the engine, determine if the turbocharger oil feed pipe fitting or the engine oil cooler gasket is the source of the leak.

Begin diagnosis by completely cleaning the entire engine and surrounding components. Add GE-28431-6 Black Light Oil Dye to the engine crankcase and run the engine. If necessary, operate the vehicle for several miles at normal operating temperature and at varying speeds to produce the leak. Use the GE-42220 Universal 12V Leak Detection Lamp (Fig. 13) with the Black Light Oil Dye to isolate the area of the leak.

 

Fig. 13

 

Check the engine oil cooler gasket and the turbocharger oil feed pipe fitting in the block just below the engine oil cooler. If the engine oil cooler is removed for inspection, the gasket must be replaced. (Fig. 14, #4)

 

Fig. 14

 

If the turbocharger oil feed pipe fitting is removed from the engine block for inspection, the fitting and gasket must be replaced.

Retest for engine oil leaks once these components have been replaced to verify the source of the oil leak.

– Thanks to Raymond Haglund

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