We made a video highlighting a customer’s oil leak problem that had persisted for over five years. The issue stemmed from excessive use of RTV during previous engine repairs performed by numerous dealerships around the country. The state we received this car in was quite a shock!
One of the main takeaways is that oil pan gaskets should never be replaced with RTV alone. Using a proper gasket is critical to prevent leaks. In this case, too much RTV was used instead of the correct sump gasket, causing a persistent oil leak that lasted years.
Excess RTV may seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to serious problems. Large pieces can break off and block the oil pickup, which can starve the engine of oil and cause severe damage. The video explains why relying on RTV instead of proper gaskets is a risk that many DIY fixes or rushed repairs introduce.
To properly fix the leak, we removed the engine to ensure a thorough repair not a usual step but worth it to fix all the previous shoddy repairs. The timing cover was identified as a primary source of the leak. Our solution involved replacing the timing cover and the missing sump gasket.
Even though removing the engine required extra work, we did not charge the customer for the additional effort. Due to our commitment to the jeep community and our reputation for quality repairs and customer satisfaction we could not let this Grand Cherokee leave our workshop looking like it did when it came in.
Oil leaks caused by improper use of RTV and lazy mechanics are more common than many people think. The key lesson is that proper gaskets and repairs prevent long term engine problems. Taking the time to diagnose the real cause of a leak and addressing it thoroughly ensures a reliable and lasting fix.
