ust before Christmas we purchased a 2013 Fabia Elegance estate from a independent London dealer. It has 26,000 miles on the clock and a FSH. On the MOT history there was this identical advisory for 2018 and 2019:

 

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

 

However the 2020/21 MOTs were clear of advisories, so I assumed it had been dealt with. Also, when first looking the car I checked for signs of an active oil leak in the engine bay and underneath, but couldn’t see any. 

 

Whilst at the dealers, I even rang up the garage who had undertaken most of the previous services, getting their number from the service stamp. They said they had no records for the car iro oil leak investigation or remedial work. So I felt I’d done due diligence on the issue.

 

However yesterday I noticed a droplet of oil on the bottom of the engine. As you’ll see in this video, there’s also some gaps in the edge of the sump pan plate in one specific place, that I’m not sure are normal, ie the other bolts don’t have similar gaps and the surface oil residue seems thicker in that one place with gaps:

 

https://vimeo.com/661420669/fcbd99454b

 

Obviously I still have a 3 month warranty with the dealer. But before I go back to him, I’d welcome any thoughts/advice on what the cause might be.

 

Thanks.

Yes those gaps are normal, yes you have an oil leak from the sump gasket.

6 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

Yes those gaps are normal, yes you have an oil leak from the sump gasket.

Thanks. Is it expensive to have a sump gasket replaced?
 

I know the dealer should sort it out, but I’ve come to mistrust car dealers based on past experiences. So I want to assess whether he’ll just do it….or try to to put up a fight.

7 minutes ago, Noddydog said:

Thanks. Is it expensive to have a sump gasket replaced?
 

I know the dealer should sort it out, but I’ve come to mistrust car dealers based on past experiences. So I want to assess whether he’ll just do it….or try to to put up a fight.

 

Not expensive, it's probably sealant rather than a gasket anyway, get it done at the same time as an oil change to save money.

23 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

 

Edited 31 December, 20214 yr by Noddydog

Thanks, that’s a relief! An early Happy New year to you:-)

 

Looks like gasket is weeping you could just try and nipthe bolts up a bit as they do come loose after a few miles,if not try the dealership but don't hold any faith with them I have had many rows over servicing with new cars and do it myself once out of warranty then I know it's done correctly, buy a genuine skoda gasketand get it fitted the same time as an oil change that way you are not paying twice for oil

That oil could have come from absolutely anywhere on the engine, so don't assume sump gasket.

A common fault on the 1.2 TSI is a broken off breather valve, see guide here: 1.2TSI Crankcase Breather Hose One Way Valve Replacement Guide - Skoda Rapid Guides - BRISKODA

 

Looking at the video it could be the sump gasket but the sump are stick on with gasket sealant and toque to 9 nm you are meant to use new bolt in the sump when refitting it but a common fault is a PVC value o-ring leaking or a broken breather hose.

The best thing to do is clean up all the oil off get it up to temp and have a good look for the leak 

The sump looks very clean..... almost as if someone has wiped it thoroughly.

I fixed a leaking sump gasket. It is a simple job with a liquid sealant. Get the dealer to do it. It is much easier on a ramp.

Don't look a lot wrong at all to me............is there a "drip" on the drive, you could even put a carboard box under it when you park it overnight, if you have a leaking sump gasket the cardboard won't lie.............if nothing is there then dont worry about it "imo", the little bit on the sump plug could be just from the oil change (oil looks very new) "if" the seller did one before you collected it.

 

The level sensor "may"  have a weep from its gasket, but nothing to worry about "imo".

Edited 3 January, 20224 yr by UrbanPanzer