What is the Oil Pump O Ring all about?

In order to lubricate the engine, oil must be pumped up from the pan through the engine. This process, which is performed by the oil pump, requires a gasket or “O-ring” to ensure that oil does not leak out past the mounting location. While oil pump O-ring failure is rare, it does happen.

The oil pump O-ring becomes brittle over time and through normal wear and tear. Not properly maintaining your car with regular oil changes can exacerbate the problem and increase the speed of the aging process. Over time, the oil pump O-ring can crack and begin to leak. It can be difficult to diagnose this type of leak, which is easily confused with a front main seal leak or other leaks. The only method of verifying the leak source is to remove the timing cover. Replacing the oil pump O-ring will require removing the oil pan from the car. We recommend replacing both the pump and the O-ring simultaneously.

Keep in mind:

• While oil leaks can be monitored and spotted during regular maintenance, verifying an oil pump O-ring gasket leak will be challenging without considerable teardown.
• The best prevention method for any form of gasket or O-ring failure is regular maintenance.

How it's done:

• The vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
• The defective oil pump O-ring is removed
• The new oil pump O-ring is installed and fluids are filled
• The vehicle is removed from jack stands
• The vehicle is started and checked for oil leaks and proper operation of the oil pump

Our recommendation:

All engine oil leaks are serious, as even minor leaks will lead to major problems. Low oil levels will cause immense damage your engine. Have your engine maintained by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Oil Pump O Ring?

• Low engine oil
• Oil visible around the timing cover
• Oil visible around intake manifold

How important is this service?

Replacing a failed oil pump O-ring is very important. Left unfixed, the problem will only exacerbate. It’s recommended that you replace the oil pump simultaneously, since the old pump must be removed anyway to replace the O-ring. Make sure you’re working with one of our expert mechanics capable of providing you with an accurate diagnosis, as oil leaks of this nature are notoriously difficult to pinpoint.