SsangYong Musso. Manual

1A2-8 GENERAL ENGINE INFORMATION

OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS

Most fluid oil leaks are easily located and repaired by
visually finding the leak and replacing or repairing the
necessary parts. On some occasions a fluid leak may
be difficult to locate or repair. The following procedures
may help you in locating and repairing most leaks.

Finding the Leak

1. Identify the fluid. Determine whether it is engine oil,

automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc.

2. Identify where the fluid is leaking from.

2.1 After running the vehicle at normal operating

temperature, park the vehicle over a large sheet
of paper.

2.2 Wait a few minutes.

2.3 You should be able to find the approximate

location of the leak by the drippings on the
paper.

3. Visually check around the suspected component.

Check around all the gasket mating surfaces for
leaks. A mirror is useful for finding leaks in areas that
are hard to reach.

4. If the leak still cannot be found, it may be necessary

to clean the suspected area with a degreaser, steam
or spray solvent.

4.1 Clean the area well.

4.2 Dry the area.

4.3 Operate the vehicle for several miles at normal

operating temperature and varying speeds.

4.4 After operating the vehicle, visually check the

suspected component.

4.5 If you still cannot locate the leak, try using the

powder or black light and dye method.

Powder Method

1. Clean the suspected area.

2. Apply an aerosol-type powder (such as foot powder)

to the suspected area.

3. Operate the vehicle under normal operating

conditoins.

4. Visually inspect the suspected component. You

should be able to trace the leak path over the white
powder surface to the source.

Black Light and Dye Method

A dye and light kit is available for finding leaks, Refer to
the manufacturer's directions when using the kit.

1. Pour the specified amount of dye into the engine oil

fill tube.

2. Operate the vehicle normal operating conditions as

directed in the kit.

3. Direct the light toward the suspected area. The dyed

fluid will appear as a yellow path leading to the
source.

Repairing the Leak

Once the origin of the leak has been pinpointed and
traced back to its source, the cause of the leak must be
determined n order for it to be repaired properly. If a
gasket is replaced, but the sealing flange is bent, the
new gasket will not repair the leak. The bent flange must
be repaired also. Before attempting to repair a leak,
check for the following conditions and correct them as
they may cause a leak.

Gaskets

The fluid level/pressure is too high.

The crankcase ventilation system is malfunctioning.

The fasteners are tightened improperly or the threads
are dirty or damaged.

The flanges or the sealing surface is warped.

There are scratches, burrs or other damage to the
sealing surface.

The gasket is damaged or worn.

There is cracking or porosity of the component.

An improper seal was used (where applicable).

Seals

The fluid level/pressure is too high.

The crankcase ventilation system is malfunctioning.

The seal bore is damaged (scratched, burred or
nicked).

The seal is damaged or worn.

Improper installation is evident.

There are cracks in the components.

The shaft surface is scratched, nicked or damaged.

A loose or worn bearing is causing excess seal wear.

DIAGNOSIS

SsangYong Musso. Manual - part 237