Oil leaks
Generator Oil Leak Repairs
Oil on the canopy floor, a wet sump, or a falling level means oil is leaving the engine. The wet patch does not name the joint. Possible sources include the oil filter, the drain plug, a hose, a seal, the rocker cover, the sump, an oil cooler, a fitting, a pressure sensor or a gasket. Appearance alone is not the diagnosis.
- The stain is followed to the source
- Level is checked
- Not diagnosed from a photo alone
- Onsite across Gauteng
Oil on the outside
Why is my generator leaking oil?
A joint that should be closed is not. Heat, vibration and a disturbed filter or plug are common reasons a leak starts after a service or after a long run. The trail usually runs downhill, so the puddle is often below the actual leak.
Possible points are the filter sealing face, the drain plug washer, rocker-cover and sump gaskets, crankshaft seals, oil-cooler joints and hoses, and the pressure sensor. Each leaves oil in a different place. Wiping the engine and watching where fresh oil appears is more useful than guessing from an old stain.
A leak that drops the level can become a low-pressure alarm. The pressure page is that alarm. This page is the oil you can see leaving the engine. Both should be mentioned if both are happening.
Joints that weep
Filters, seals, coolers and sensors
Oil filter and drain plug leaks
A double gasket, a pinched seal or a plug washer that was reused leaks as soon as the engine reaches pressure. These are checked first because they are common after a service.
Generator engine seal leaks
Rocker covers, sump joints and shaft seals weep with heat and age. The highest wet point is the clue, not the lowest puddle.
Oil cooler and hose leaks
Cooler cores, banjo bolts and flexible hoses leak under pressure. They can look like a sump leak because the oil runs down.
Oil pressure sensor leaks
The sensor thread or its seal can weep. That is an external leak. It is not the same fault as a sensor that reads the wrong pressure.
Oil leaks and low oil pressure
A small weep may not drop pressure. A leak that empties the sump can. If an oil-pressure alarm is also on, say so. Do not keep running the set to watch the leak.
How generator oil leaks are diagnosed
Level, a clean-down, and a controlled run long enough for fresh oil to show the source. A photograph helps the booking. It does not replace that inspection.
Google reviews of ProService Generator Repairs
Google Review
My Gentech was leaking oil heavily, but [ProService Generator Repairs] replaced the seals and did a full preventative maintenance check to ensure it was ready for the winter outages.
Google Review
They handle the SLA servicing for our SDEC factory generator. They are always on time, incredibly thorough, and repaired an oil cooler leak with zero fuss.
Common Questions
Questions about generator oil leaks
Why is my generator leaking oil?
A seal, gasket, filter, plug, hose or fitting is not holding oil. The source is traced. The puddle underneath is often not the joint that failed.
Can you tell the source from a photo?
A photo helps. It does not confirm the joint. Oil runs downhill, so the inspection has to find the highest wet point.
It started leaking after a service. What does that suggest?
Possible causes include the filter face, a doubled gasket, or the drain plug washer. Those are checked before covers are pulled.
Is a small leak safe to leave?
A weep can become a level problem, and oil on a hot engine is a reason to repair it early. The rate and the level decide how soon.
The oil-pressure alarm is on as well. Is that the leak?
Only if the level has fallen enough to affect pressure. A wet engine with a full sump is a leak. Low pressure with a full sump is the pressure page.
Could the pressure sensor be the leak?
Yes. A sensor can weep at the thread and still be a different fault from a sensor that reads low.
What should I do before the visit?
Note the oil level, do not keep running it if the level is low, and send a photo of the wet area if you can.
Still unsure what the fault is? Call or WhatsApp 082 057 4605 for onsite diagnosis.
Service Areas
Onsite visits across Gauteng
Technicians travel to the generator. These are the main Gauteng areas. Suburb pages sit under each region.
What to send before we attend
ProService Generator Repairs confirms an onsite visit from these details. Send what you have. A missing model number does not stop the booking.
- Location
- The suburb or site, so the visit can be booked in the right area.
- Make and model
- The generator brand and model, if they are known.
- kVA
- The size printed on the data plate.
- Fuel type
- Diesel, petrol, LPG, natural gas, or dual-fuel.
- Controller model
- The module name on the panel, when it is visible.
- Fault or alarm
- What the set does, and any text on the screen.
- Photos
- The generator, the data plate, and the controller or alarm. Send these on WhatsApp.
Book a Visit
Send a photo of the wet area
Say whether the level is dropping and whether an oil-pressure alarm is also showing.
- Call
- 082 057 4605
- Message us on WhatsApp