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Fresh oil dripping from the bottom of the engine: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing fresh oil dripping from the bottom of the engine, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Loose or Damaged Oil Drain Plugurgent

The drain plug was not tightened properly during a recent oil change, or its sealing gasket is missing, crushed, or reused too many times.

Improperly Installed Oil Filterurgent

The oil filter is loose, or the old filter's rubber O-ring stuck to the engine block creating a 'double gasket' blowout that rapidly leaks fresh oil.

Leaking Valve Cover Gasketaddress soon

The gasket sealing the top of the engine has hardened and failed. Oil leaks from the top and runs down the sides of the engine block, dripping off the bottom.

Leaking Oil Pan Gasketaddress soon

The seal between the engine block and the oil pan at the very bottom of the engine has degraded over time, allowing oil to seep out.

Leaking Oil Pressure Sender/Switchaddress soon

The plastic housing of the oil pressure sensor can crack or its internal seal can fail, causing oil to spray or drip down the side of the engine block.

Leaking Rear Main Sealaddress soon

The large seal around the rear of the crankshaft is worn out, causing oil to drip from the seam where the engine meets the transmission.

Leaking Front Crankshaft Seal or Timing Coveraddress soon

The seal at the front of the engine behind the main pulley is worn out, slinging oil down the front of the engine block and oil pan.

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