There is an engine oil leak in a 2011 Ford Fiesta, namely between the engine assembly and below the intake manifold.

[ford_fiesta98]

Greetings to everybody! Initially, my Ford Fiesta had a tiny engine oil leak. Initially, I suspected it was originating from the dipstick hose, but later I determined it was coming from the engine oil cooler.

I took it to the nearby mechanic who informed me that the object is located in the engine bay wall inside a confined area, as shown by the red rectangle in one of the images.

He intends to extract the whole engine and apply a sealant to that specific component. I searched for that specific component of the engine bay in the lexicon of Ford Fiesta engine bay components, but I was unable to locate it.

Has anybody else encountered this issue? The origin of the oil spill is in an unconventional area that is completely inaccessible.

Are there any other methods to verify whether the oil leak is really originating from that specific component of the engine?

Anticipating your valuable insights!

Thank you in advance!

[Thomas_Green78]

There seems to be a leakage originating from the oil pan gasket located next to the starter motor. To clean the greasy region, I will remove the starting motor and use a spray can of solvent, such as brake parts cleaning. Afterward, I will carefully inspect the junction between the oil pan and the engine block skirt. Next, I would assess if silicone sealant is the optimal remedy.

[ford_fiesta98]

Thank you for your reply.

Additionally, I had the engine oil replaced after the mechanic's inspection of the oil leak. The technician meticulously tidied the vicinity where the oil spots were present, and he used a substance like to the one you previously stated. Following each automobile drive, I consistently inspect the oil pan and it seems that the oil leakage originates from the region underneath the intake manifold. In the picture below, the mechanic identifies the source of the oil leak. Determining the source of the oil leak is challenging due to the potential for the radiator fan to disperse the oil.

Perhaps I will seek another mechanic's perspective to get a second view. I strongly disagree with the previous mechanic's suggestion of removing the whole engine alone to identify the source of the oil leak.

[generic_user2]

I would want to discuss the positioning of the PCV valve and its housing, which is situated between the Intake manifold, the Engine Block, just below the cylinder head, and the Starter. The technician suspects that the oil leak may originate from this area.

The Engine is constructed in a manner similar to an onion, with each layer being added sequentially, in order to get access to the underlying embedded systems. To properly adhere to the methodology, it is necessary to begin by removing extraneous components such as the Alternator, Throttle body, EVAP system, Intake hoses, and Knock sensors. This will allow for easier access to the more intricate Intake manifold. Once these components have been removed, the only remaining parts will be the PCV valve, its housing, and the Starter. This will provide a clearer view of the leak and its specific location.

The primary issue with the use of a PCV valve is in the extent to which air can be drawn through the system to effectively re-combust the noxious air and maintain proper oil containment. Due to the precise oil level requirements, excessive oil can cause the PCV valve to become submerged. If this occurs frequently, it can result in a leak in the housing that is intended to contain the oil and redirect the oil vapours for re-burning. This system, which includes a splash guard and vapour separation kit, is designed to keep the crankcase and the rest of the engine clean for a longer period of time compared to not having these components.

[ford_fiesta98]

Thank you for your prompt reply. Could it be plausible that the oil leakage originates from the PCV valve rather than the housing? After reviewing instructional videos on how to inspect the PCV valve, I have determined that it may be accessed by removing the intake manifold lid.

If there is a possibility that the oil leak is originating from the PCV valve, I will instruct the technician to prioritise inspecting and maybe doing maintenance on it, such as cleaning or replacing it. It would need less effort to avoid dismantling the manifold cover and instead replace the PCV housing.

Anticipating your most beneficial response.

[generic_user2]

It may be necessary to repair the housing of the IT system. As a cost-effective precaution, it is recommended to also replace the PCV housing and valve simultaneously. This will ensure that the vacuum used by the system prevents any future seal damage.

The PCV housing, which is located in close proximity to the cylinder head and engine block, can develop a leak. While the PCV valve may need replacement, the housing itself can be the source of the leak. This is because the housing is situated in the same region where the leak is observed near the we-spot by the starter. The bottom plate and its seal are located adjacent to this area.

[ford_fiesta98]

I much appreciate your advice once again, generic_user2! I will consult with the technician and maybe he can replace the PCV housing and its valve without having to remove the whole engine compartment.

I shall examine the hyperlink provided in the first answer in order to access more discourse pertaining to the same matter.

One more request for a last question: Is the automobile suitable for both short and long distances, such as a 100km journey?

[generic_user2]

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the oil is checked regularly and to establish a comprehensive record of the oil level fluctuations.

Although now a minor leak, it has the potential to escalate into a more significant consumption problem in the future.

I am suggesting that you should consider adding approximately one quart or litre of oil every 1,000 miles or 2,000 kilometres. Although this may not be considered excessive, it is important to remember that the recommended oil change intervals are longer. However, it is still important to take note of and address any oil losses, as the suggested intervals and the actual oil consumption may differ. This is crucial to protect your investment.

To me, this seems to be a straightforward issue related to a seal. However, I am curious about its formation process. What is your age? What is the fuel efficiency of the vehicle? Could the reason of this be attributed to severe driving or a sudden release of pressure due to a blocked line or twisted breather hose?

Insights from a someone who has already experienced this situation: Experiencing the loss of an engine is always unpleasant and may be very distressing.

[ford_fiesta98]

I had a conversation with the technician to convey to him the ideas and guidance you provided. As a result, he now understands that it is unnecessary to remove the intake manifold and engine block. However, he still needs to dismantle some components, as you previously said, which will need some labour. I need the purchase of a new PCV valve housing, and he offered me a more favourable pricing for the service cost.

Currently, there is a little oil leak without any oil pooling on the ground when at a park. However, it would be advisable to address this issue promptly to prevent further harm. Currently, I consistently inspect the oil level and check for any oil leaks before to using the vehicle. Our daily use often covers a distance of around 8-10 km.

The age of my Fiesta is 13 years and it has a mileage of 196,000 km. One of the criticisms I received from my father-in-law when I first discovered the oil leak and shared some footage with him was that the line was obstructed.

Thank you once again for always responding and providing valuable guidance!