How to Fix Oil Leak By Replacing Oil Pressure Switch - Subaru Forester
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 сер 2017
- Update 08/23/17: I can smell oil only occasionally now, in fact I don't think I've smelled anything in a week. This probably fixed 90% of my oil leak problem. Good enough!
Update 10/22/19: It was fine for some time, but now it leaks oil profusely through the head gaskets. It's what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
If you found this video helpful, consider 'buying me a coffee' as a tip:
buymeacoff.ee/bozodoesit
In this video, I replace the oil pressure switch (links below for 2006 SUBARU FORESTER, CHECK YOUR FIT) in my NA '06 Forester SOHC, after replacing the valve cover gaskets (which did not fix the problem). I will write an update if this fixed the problem here once I get to drive around a bit.
The part is a Subaru OEM 25240AA060 oil pressure switch (which I kept calling a sensor). It's about $24 at a dealer or on Amazon.
Oil Pressure Switch Here:
amzn.to/2YjOS3F
Tekton Torque Wrench here:
amzn.to/2LDsl0j
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Bozo Does It, there is no guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Bozo Does It assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Due to factors beyond the control of Bozo Does It, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Bozo Does It.
Disclaimer II:
I'm an Amazon affiliate. _
_
If you found this video valuable and wish to support the channel, below is my Amazon affiliate page. By purchasing anything through this link, I will receive commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UT...
Looking for more Subaru repair videos? Here is my collection:
ua-cam.com/play/PLlBmcq17DQvt4q087lxwDvS2ngFW_3A0T.html
This is more my speed of mechanic. With swearing, sweating bullets, and not having the exact right tools. Excellent video!
My 09 Forester had the same symptoms. The oil was leaking and there was a smell of burning exhaust when starting the car in the morning. I replaced it after watching this video. After replacing the oil pressure switch, the burning smell disappeared. will have to check for oil leaks after a while to find out, but first of all, the engine became quiet. After replacing two O2 sensors and an air flow sensor two years ago,returned to the power and original fuel mileage that I had lost, and it was nice to see a big change this time as well. I took out the oil pressure switch when the engine was very hot, but the hole had gotten smaller and didn't insert properly, so I waited for about an hour and finally inserted it. thank you so much....
Here's a little trick to help reinstalling parts with a socket: wrap a little strip of paper around the head of the bolt or part in order to give the socket some grip on it; when it's securely tightened then you can get the socket off.
Saw this yesterday and replaced the oil pressure switch. Warning signs gone! And no oil leak. Thank you
HOLY SHIT THIS IS IT. No video out there showing the exact symptoms as my car! Subd
Just did my Son's 2006 Outback wagon today! If it's pooling oil in the back of the engine and running down and hitting that sheet metal plate you can bet your ass it's the VVL sending unit! Very easy replacement. I got mine at NAPA. The longest part of the job was discovering that I didn't have a 24mm deepsocket and having to run to Harbor Freight! After replacing and gunking the hell out of the area with degreaser I took it for a good run. No oil leak! Really enjoyed your video. I didn't even have to throw any F bombs or even church friendly expletives! I think we are at about 160k miles on his Subaru? Great little car.
What does VVL stand for?
@@reneeseaton3889 variable valve lift.
DAYS of looking for a video like this, thanks dude!
Thank you for this video. My '07 Forester is having the EXACT same issue. Smoking like crazy and oil all over the area around the oil pressure switch. Switching it out and hopefully it gets better!!!
The head gaskets on these models also are bad to leak oil onto the exhaust. Back driver side and front passenger seems to be most common area. The oil cooler seal above the oil filter is also a common oil leak area.
Is there an easy fix for the driver side leak?
awesome vid. everything a home mechanic needs.
I just found that one of my oil pressure sending units is leaking. Unbelievable! I cleaned mine up with carburetor cleaner and put 40 psi of air to the inlet and oil still inside immediately started to seep out of the unit. Too bad I didn't find your video before I replaced the head gaskets, head seals and oil pan gaskets. Thanks for your video!
Honestly, you won't regret doing those head gaskets. I've been chasing oil leaks for a couple of years now, and I'm concluding that oil is seeping through my head gaskets. EJs are endless fun.
Wow man exact same issue was about to buy valve cover gasket kit! GladI finally noticed it
I have tons of oil coming from the same area, I think it is my valve cover (and now passenger side) but I wouldn’t doubt the pressure switch is leaking too. Thanks
You’re using that oil container backwards! lol, great video, my ‘08 SOHC Outback has same issue.
Thank you Sir!, very helpful. my 07 impreza has done the same
I think my oil pressure switch is leakin' too. I appreciate the video brother.
Enjoyed your commentary!
Thanks so much for this! I heard that undertight is better than overtight - lost the socket in the engine bay while trying to use the torque wrench, so I used liquid gasket (Permatex Hi Temp), finger tightened, did another turn or two with regular pliers and a rag for some grip, and it seems to be good to go.
Sounds good, yeah 10 ft lbs isn't all that much so you're probably fine.
This was my exact problem, thanks for the insight.
Glad I could help!
thanks man. worked on my 2007 Legacy. Wayyyy easier to get to also. Same size socket too
Outstanding!
This was hilarious, and helpful thank you
Take a rubber hose big enough to hold that part snugly and it will reach down and tighten up much like you do with spark plugs
thanks, helped me with my problem :)
Tim 44883 glad I could help!
Thanks for the video, this is exactly what i needed! I love all the cursing, you are the real one!
Thank you! Glad I could help.
Just a heads up I have a 2.5 liter Subaru Outback 2006 and had that oil pressure switch changed. There are 2 others that will also leak. One on the passenger side and one in the rear of the engine. Plus when they leak, they leak a shit load of oil. Just a heads up. The other ones will go too.
Wow! Oil switches, as well? Do you actually need three switches to do the job? Can you tell the exact location and if you know, please, model and year. I have a 2002 Forrester. Thanks, a lot.
😅 thank you - hilarious and much needed. Party on sir. 😂😂
Be careful when changing this piece! USE A TORQUE WRENCH! I accidently overtightened and cracked the head. DON'T BE LIKE ME.
ME TOO! FML
@@patrickmc8369 same, how much was it to fix!? what was done?
I did too. Very common on this era of of Outback/ Forester. There is a fix. Look up Specialized Parts in Canada. He sells a drill / tap extender that bypasses the cracked area. Otherwise your replacing that whole head. Repair works. Good luck.
@@vicweb4166 I just did the same thing. What have you done about it?
@@johnathan277Unfortunately, I'm in the process of an engine replacement which is gonna run me 3grand. Most shops i visited said changing or repairing the head would be more of a headache vs just replacing the engine. That being said, repair is possible.
Worried about oil leaking onto exhaust manifold.... and pours oil toward the filler neck without a funnel.
Thanks though, very helpful video. Now I have the confidence to buy a 2006 Outback I don't need that appears to have the same problem (just worse, and little else wrong) for the princely sum of $500.
Ayy lmao when you're right you're right. Might also be valve cover gaskets, a considerably more painful repair.
Depending on the number of miles/kms it might be due for a timing belt change. I did mine at the same time the head gaskets were replaced. It was a very expensive bill!
Thanks! Exactly the procedure i needed to find. I have the same leak on my 08. Why did you wrap the threads of the new switch with tape? For added seal?
Yeah, force of habit when I plumb anything. I don't remember if the original switch that I pulled had any on it. If it didn't, it's definitely not necessary.
Yeah doesnt need plumbers tape on it.
How about puttin plunbers tape on the old one to stop the leak? Why buy new one.
That's not how it leaks - there's an internal seal that fails and it weeps from the top/sides
@@Bootstrappin oh ok thats legit.
It’s probably a good idea to get under the alternator and replace the second one there, from what I’ve found and been suggested to do, as it will probably go next. As I understand it the outback has 3 of these sensors, they are cheap parts so if you’re willing to spend the time it may offer some peace of mind. Seeing puddles on top of the engine block is never comforting.
Definitely a good recommendation, I didn't realize how many there were. I've been chasing some mystery oil leak for years now, and even replaced my own head gasket (didn't work! AHHH)
@@Bootstrappin I'm also interested in knowing how many there are for a 2008 Subaru Tribeca and if it's the exact same part used for those different spots
Bootstrappin' I’ve got a 06 outback, I’m tired of the oil smell coming through the vents.. I’m going to wash the oil off and hopefully the leaks are an easy fix.. I think the passenger side by the firewall the VVT solenoid is leaking on mine and the oil filter cooler/ housing. In 3,000 miles the oil level has only gone down a bit.. nothing crazy. Did you fix your leak?
I’m having the same exact problem. Will order this part and fix it. Seems to be burning the oil too
It's probably dripping on your exhaust manifold and causing a stink.
Yes cause I see smoke rising under the hood and i have a lot of oil near that switch and looks like the switch is close to coming out!
NICE !!
A toilet cam would make this video Oscar worthy!!
Lol what do you mean?
@@Bootstrappin to get a closer look in small arras, haha. Just being silly for silly sake
Ah gotcha! Yeah I dig macro shots big time. Lots of nuance revealed for viewers.
You remind me of me and how I turn wrenches. With all the choice words.
It's all in the language. The right word at the right time can encourage a bolt to get unstuck!
@@Bootstrappin Thanks for your video. The fix worked and my subaru isn't smoking anymore.
@@megdemar that's awesome! Glad it worked out.
Great video, but I think you might have wrapped the Teflon tape on the wrong direction (bit hard to tell in the video). As you tighten the sensor, the tape may start to unwind. Wrapping the other way will cause the tape to stretch asking the threads when the sensor is tightened.
Yeah that sounds right, gotta wrap clockwise with thread side facing down
Thanks! Mines leakin.
I'ma gonna giterdone 2
Get 'em!
Thanks for the video. I just got a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback for an extra car. . I was under the car inspecting if I have to fix anything. Previous owners changed head gaskets as I could see the new gasket sticking out. I was looking around for any leak and discovered oil coming from an area I was not familiar with. What is this area called? Typed in search box "How to fix oil leak on my 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback" After scrolling down video after video, I came across yours. I think the oil pressure switch is leaking oil on my car although I was underneath it but definitely same location. Thanks so much! I will inspect again.
Glad I could help! Be sure to also check the valve cover gaskets, those tend to go on Subarus as well. Check for oil by the timing cover, that indicates a camshaft seal leak. And where the transmission mates with the engine, there's a rear main seal, those leak on Subarus too.
@@Bootstrappin Yes I almost thought the driver side valve cover gasket was leaking but nothing was leaking there today. I tightened the 5 bolts a tiny bit to get a snugger feel on the valve cover. Wiped down the area but in front of the valve cover near the timing belt area, I saw the oil. I only looked from below but I think now oil dripped from the top from the oil pressure switch. I just got the car but fixed 2 things, an exhaust leak which is now quiet and a sunroof leak. The previous owner put silicone to seal the sunroof but still leaking. This is a beater car so what I did was taped around the sunroof using tape and paper and only expose where the sunroof meets. Then used Flex Seal clear spray to seal the sunroof. Let it cure for 2 days although I did apply second coat of spray to make sure totally sealed. Tomorrow I will carefully remove the paper and tape with a blade. (If the sunroof wasn't sealed, I would have cleared out the drain tubes of debris that attached to the sunroof. Water was backing up and previous owner didn't know to unclog the tubes so sealed with silicone. haha)
Thank you !!! Perfect
Just had a power steering line pop right over my header... im 2 hours away from home and my shop.. scared to drive it leaking over my header. Or drain it and drive it dry x.x unfortunately the line is pressed against my header
You sound just like I do when I'm repairing my Subaru. Lol. I just ran into this problem on my '06 Forester (it has ~197K miles). I only learned about it because CEL was lit. I'm also seeing the flashing cruise control light. I'm not sure what that's all about.
I've seen the cruise control flash many times, and seems it does that for many reasons. Some I've seen on mine: catalytic converter below efficiency, charcoal canister below threshold. The charcoal canister you'd probably know because the auto shut off at the fuel pump keeps tripping. The cat could be a bad O2 sensor, clogged catalytic converter, engine misfires, or a combination of all three. I have a ton of videos on the subject, I usually place them into my Subaru Repair playlist:
ua-cam.com/video/ZgyXbhNR1hA/v-deo.html
@@Bootstrappin Very useful info. The catalytic converter is relatively new. I was thinking of changing the upstream O2 sensor. The car did have some misfires. I installed new spark plugs a couple of days ago, so hopefully that'll clear up some of the other codes.
@@dinosail for me it went like this. I started to lose power, and had occasional misfires, especially during cold start. I drove like this for years not realizing I was doing damage. The catalytic converter got destroyed, spark plugs went, and O2 sensor failed. The root cause was a bad coil pack, which was causing the misfires, which caused it to run rich, which destroyed the cat because of combustion occurring inside the cat, and took the O2 sensor with it.
@@Bootstrappin Wow. So far the only visible problem I've found was one bad spark plug in cylinder #4. It's been running better since I replaced the set. At this point, it's "wait and see." FWIW, this is my ex's car, so I'm not too invested in it. I have two Subarus now (2001 and 2010) which are running relatively well. How did you figure out that you had a bad coil? (Edit: Never mind, I just checked out your video.)
Hey man, I just changed mine today. When you are putting the new one on, did the threaded part go in all the way? I made sure not to cross threads and mine is in only about 2/3 of the way at 12 ft lb.
Run it, and if it doesn't leak, probably fine. Definitely don't want to go over 12, you'll crack the engine block. I don't honestly remember if I could see the threads. Maybe I'll poke my head in there tomorrow and check.
If that thread breaks are you aware if that's a housing that can be replaced or part of the motor!? Thanks!
Someone earlier asked a similar question - three options:
1. Clean the area, grind it, and apply JB Weld to the crack, and hope for the best
2. Remove head, have a shop weld it
3. Replace head
This forum might help:
www.subaruoutback.org/forums/109-gen-3-2005-2009/131122-tiny-crack-head-where-oil-pressure-sensor-screws.html
We have developed a repair insert that can permanently fix the the break without having to remove the cylinder head. Have a look at our video ua-cam.com/video/74LkDUeoYHQ/v-deo.html
Hold the torque wrench close to the end. Teflon tape is not good. Gasket or oil resistant silicone sealant.
Is this switch only a dashboard oil pressure 'light' alone, and is it not an analogue signal determining the amount of oil pressure, by the deflection of the gauge needle? Do you know if it could then - if as stated - a sender unit and its gauge be attached to this port?
By definition, it's a oil "switch", so I think it only makes a closed contact if oil PSI goes below a certain calibrated value, which will throw an oil pressure light on your cluster. You'd have to install your own oil pressure sensor if you wanted a gauge.
Thanks for reply. Something like the Glowswitch products, that comes with a dial type gauge, and a 'sender' with the pressure for the membrane and the electronics inside? Is there any room in the 2002 Forrester for it, on top on the engine?
I've got just the video for you:
ua-cam.com/video/45E_PmgZ2KI/v-deo.html
You have the same exact sounding voice as the guy from Mad Men
Vincent Kartheiser
The oil pressure switch under the alternator on my 2000 Subaru Outback SOHC, EJ251 does not show oil leak. In this video, the reason for replacing the switch was because the valve covers, although newly replaced, were still leaking oil on the driver side. The switch was not leaking oil. It was failing.
How do you figure that an oil switch wouldn't leak oil when it is failing?
How has this worked. I am literally facing the exact same problem. Just ordered two new switches.
Forgot to post an update. It worked really well. I occasionally smell a hint of oil, but it's 90% gone. Good enough for me!
There are 3 of those oil pressure switches. At least there is on my 2006 Outback 2.5. Passenger side, drivers side and one at the rear of the engine. When they go they leak a lot of oil.
Did u need to replace both oil pressure switch or just the leaking 1? Advance auto parts is saying that 2 are required.
Only the leaking one. Not actually sure where the other is, could also be a DOHC and SOHC distinction.
Oh dang! My ‘06 Forester burns oil like a motherfucker. They exact same way yours burns oil in the video! Thank you for posting this.
Man im reading head gasket stuff here now im kinda scared, but ive had mine for a little while now and it started leaking oil through there i guess (it always looked like it had some caked oil in it since i got it, has 190k miles, got it with like 18x some) but i cant stand that oil smell now with the winter, imma give this a try! Hopefully is no head gasket stuff
Also try PCV valve replacement. It helps to turn recirculation on, smell won't come through.
@@Bootstrappin Thank you senpai
@@harrycorrea2547 sure thing lol. I only say this because I chased the oil leak gremlins for so long and it turned out to be simple things. I did go to the length of pulling my motor and replacing the head gasket - didn't do a dang thing lolol
@@Bootstrappin i wouldve been very frustrated, specially me because thats a job i would have to pay to get done lol
@@harrycorrea2547 the first Subaru I ever had started bleeding coolant into the oil and overheating, classic head gasket failure (I'd personally hold off on that head gasket until you get those issues). I wasn't as into DIY repairs back then, and so the price from a mechanic was the same to replace the whole engine as it was to replace the gasket - about $2000...
Why dont u just use plunbers tape to stop the leak?
Thanks. Also use 2 hands on a torque wrench.
Can be finicky. You might be listening for a "click" but then you hear a "CRACK!" Whack.
Besides using both hands to torque... Don't forget to loosen the torque wrench to as far as it will go past 0 after you use it, if you leave it set, it will eventually throw off the calibration of the wrench. And always keep it in it's case and never drop one... Otherwise you should take it to be recalibrated. That is why probably some people have cracked the head... their wrench is out of calibration.
I finally got rid of that smell of oil from my nose
Outstanding!
"Hopefully it won't slip out, but it probably will. Don't do it... you son of a bitch!"
I just discovered a leak on mine today, but my sensor is near the alternator. Same car, same year, same SOHC. Does the car have two censors?
Second question. When you did your valve cover gaskets, did you have to unmount the engine and boost it up to get the covers off? Mine has a leak in the spark plug hole gaskets and i'm going to have to tackle those too soon.
Sorry, didn't see this. Yes, I think it does have two, or rather, it might have an oil pressure sensor, and and oil switch. Yes, I undid the two bottom engine mount nuts that connect to the subframe, and used a scissor jack with a flat piece of wood on top against the oil pan to give it a bit of clearance. Huge pain in the ass.
I have a 2006 Outback 2.5.I was going to do that job too. Then I figured out there is not enough clearance b/w the engine and the frame of the vehicle to remove the valve covers. It may be different in the forester. The oil leak in the spark plug hole is the rubber grommets that come in a kit with the valve cover gaskets. Rock Auto has the kit. I found oil on 1 spark plug when I changed the plugs. You may want to address that soon as the oil in the spark plug and on the spark plug boot can cause engine misfires, which can fry the catalytic converter. I had a leaking oil switch too, the one in the video. Now I have 2 others that are leaking. There are 3 right side, left side and at the rear of the engine. I just changed a half shaft boot and ball joint myself but said the hell with doing the oil switches and had the car towed to a Subaru dealer. They told me the other 2 switches are leaking and need replacing. I am in Canada price is $367.00 to replace the 2 switches and clean up the oil all over the underneath of the car. Hey, I thought it might be head gaskets or a rear main seal so I can live with that.
Thanks for your help, problem solved
My nissan qashqai 2012 is leaking oil & randomly stalling while driving & now showing engine light. Mechanic said it's a faulty sensor causing both problems???????? Is it true?
The oil leak could be caused by a bad switch, but I doubt the stalling has anything to do with it. For stalling I'd check fuel filter, air intake, spark plugs, ignition coils.
@@Bootstrappin cheers mate
05 Forester has the same problem but as 197000 miles on it
That pressure switch had a good run!
Does it leak from the threads or the body of the switch?
The body
Would this issue cause a P0028 code to appear on ‘10 Subaru legacy 2.5
Doubt it, check this forum, it's probably a dirty PCV valve or oil pressure switch. Also check your oil level.
legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/p0028-code-resolved-258729.html
Actually this an the exact reference location for P0028, Bank 2, left hand side, front of the block. VVT sensor/solenoid cluster.
Did it hold up after a couple days,
It did! Though I think I also overlooked a leaky PCV valve that was also in need of replacement.
Did you ever figure out why it was still smoking even after replacing this part?
I wanna say it wound up being the PCV valve. And leading up to that I replaced the rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, head gasket, oil separator gasket, and ignition coil gasket in chasing the oil leak. Can't think of what else it possibly could be lol, aside from the oil pump.
@@Bootstrappin well dangg that sounds like a lot of work to get done just to solve that.
@@jorgeosornio2418 lmao I know, take it as a cautionary tale in turning yourself into a parts cannon. I dunno why the PCV never dawned on me as a possibility. Oh well, now I know.
You do realize adding an extension to your torque wrench changes the ratio of foot pounds just thought you should know that since you didn't mention it and you said you had issues before
An extension doesn't change the ratio, but it does make it more difficult to stay perpendicular which does affect how much torque is being applied. I was probably angling it.
No it definitely changes the ratio a hundred percent sorry but it's true The Leverage Point moves back in the torque becomes more powerful
@@johnnybgood6771 just watch this video, it performs a torque wrench experiment with extensions. ua-cam.com/video/tRR96ILGORU/v-deo.html
You're right the extension just makes the angle throw it off super easy to do with a tricky angle like that just something to mention your videos is all
@@johnnybgood6771 totally agreed
This guy reminds me of Homer Simpson
Kind of bumbling, but well-meaning? I'll take it!
What size bolt? 24mm?
Mine was 22 mm, 2006 impreza 2.5 i. Went to pick n pull, find the same year, Sohc, and had 24 mm sensor . I had to borrow a wrench from a one of the guys on the lot. Just replaced the switch today, it seemed like oil was comming through the electrical connector. I will check in a couple of days, check engine came up P0028 came up, and started smelling burned smoke, hope i fixed the problem, a week ago had a cylinder 2 misfire code. Replaced a coil pack.that seems to fixed the problem.
Did that smoke ever go away?
For a while, yes. Then, my rear main seal started to go, now the smoke is back and worse than ever. :o)
I’m the same location? I saw in the video where you had the smoke coming was from the driver side where the valve cover is at. Is that where it’s coming from worse now?
In
@@thedeal1588 no not quite, more from the back it seems
BOZO DOES IT ok. I’ve changed the oil pressure sensor now hopefully that smoke will go away. Will take it to the car wash tomorrow and clean that area where it’s smoking from hopefully that’ll make it go away. Anyways I appreciate for replying back to me 🙏!
When you add an extention it decreases the torque.
Only if said extension creates an angle less than 90 degrees, since Torque = Force * radius * sin(angle). Length from point of contact to the head of the wrench has no effect on torque.
do i need drain my oil?
No
Did you have a code come up?
No. Seems like it'll keep working even while leaking.
Thank you
Anyone watching this:
DONT TORQUE IT DOWN
I tourqued mine to 12ftp and cracked the aluminum. Huge headache
couldn’t just pull the dipstick and oil cap to make it easier to get to?
No funnel!?! 😂😂😂💀
hideously poor camera work. put it on a tripod.
If I do, will that also fix your self esteem issue?