How To Fix An Oil Leak In A Kia Sportage: Steps And More!

Many want to know how to fix an oil leak in a Kia Sportage.because it’s kind of desperate. If the oil leak is coming from your Kia Sportage’s oil filter or plug, clearly the solution will be to change them. If you do end up changing your oil cap or filter, just make sure you get fresh oil when you go to the parts store, as you will lose engine oil dealing with either.

If oil is leaking from the valve cover area, get the torque specs and see if tightening them fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to go ahead and replace the gasket.

The same plan of attack will work for the oil pan gasket. But of course it’s much more difficult to get down there and tighten these screws. Be careful under your car and use ramps or jack stands. Never go under with just a floor jack.

Causes of Oil Leaks in a Kia Sportage

Oil Spill In A Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage 4WD 2001

Fixing an oil leak means determining where it is coming from and repairing the problems. Depending on where the leak is occurring, the repair can be very difficult or relatively easy. This is a list of the likely places where oil could be leaking in your car, presented in order of easiest to most difficult to fix.

  • Oil filter: If your oil filter was damaged or didn’t seal properly at the last oil change, there’s a good chance you’re losing some oil.
  • Oil drain plug: If the oil plug has come off or has been left loose, oil could be passing through it and onto the road.
  • Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket is a very common place for oil to leak. Depending on where exactly on the valve cover the oil is leaking from, it will have an impact on other parts of the vehicle. For example, if oil leaks from the valve covers above the exhaust, it will burn and smell when driving. If oil leaks from the valve covers onto the spark plugs, it can cause problems with the ignition system.
  • Oil sump: The oil pan is a very common place for oil to leak. Most likely, the gasket between the oil pan and the engine block is damaged. But, it’s not unheard of for an oil pan to crack or have a hole in it. Fixing an oil leak from the crankcase area will take a lot of time, skill, and patience.

How to fix an oil leak in a Kia Sportage?

Oil Leak In A Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage LX 2.0 2016

Fixing an oil leak in a Kia Sportage could be a very complicated job or an easy one, considering where the leak is located. Getting to know several of the fundamentals of changing and replacing gaskets and seals will help save you both time and money.

It’s good to try to keep the oil in your Kia Sportage at a comfortable level and thereby keep the engine running smoothly and increase its lifespan. To fix an oil leak in a Kia Sportage you need to follow these steps:

1- Heat the vehicle

Drive your SUV around the block, then let it warm up until it finally reaches operating temperature. This will thin out the oil, making it easier to drain. Place a collection container under the oil pan plug.

2- Change the oil filter

Unscrew the oil cap and use a wrench to unscrew the oil filter. Then you have to wait for the oil to drain and next you have to try to fit the oil plug and screw a new oil filter. Now open the valve cover cap and use a funnel to pour in the thicker grade oil to minimize leaks.

3- Open the oil cap and pour in an oil thickening additive

You must be careful not to exceed the capacity of your Kia Sportage’s oil system, which will result in more oil leaks. You should already know that many oil additives are good at thickening the oil, reducing and eliminating leaks while protecting engine components and parts.

4- Raise the Kia Sportage

Now you must lift your Sportage off the ground by driving the vehicle up to the car ramps. Uncover the hood and use a flashlight, shining it from above and under the engine to look for signs of oil leaks. One of the most common gaskets to fix is ​​the valve cover gasket.

5- Remove the top valve cover and gaskets

Remove the valve cover mounting bolts with a socket or torque wrench, then remove the top valve cover. Remove the valve cover gasket with your hands or use a flathead screwdriver. Make use of a rag, a plastic brush and a degreaser to be able to clean the inside of the gasket cover.

6- Install the new gasket pack

Put the new gasket into the grooves in the valve cover and then run a small bead of silicone on the outer edge of the gasket where the bottom area of ​​the valve cover is located.

To end

It can be difficult to find an oil leak, especially with how tight and cramped today’s engine compartments are. Good luck finding an oil leak in your Kia Sportage.

Leave a Comment