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Car service in Claremont
As your local Mechanic in Claremont, Claremont Tyre and Auto take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs.
Read moreDiagnosing & Repairing an Engine Oil Leak on a 2011 Mitsubishi Triton
At Claremont Tyre and Auto, we recently had a customer bring in their newly purchased 2011 Mitsubishi Triton 2.5L 4D56 turbo diesel ute to investigate an engine oil leak. The vehicle had only been in their ownership for a short time, and understandably they wanted clarity and peace of mind about the issue.
Initial Inspection & Findings
The customer requested that we confirm the source of the oil leak. After carrying out a thorough inspection, we identified that oil was leaking from inside the timing cover area. Our initial diagnosis pointed towards a failed front crankshaft oil seal.
During the discussion, the customer informed us that the timing belt kit had been replaced approximately six months earlier — before they had purchased the vehicle. Given the location of the leak and the recent timing belt replacement, we recommended booking the Triton in to remove the timing components and properly inspect the seals.
What We Found
Once we removed the timing belt components, the cause became clear:
- The front crankshaft oil seal had completely dislodged from its housing
- The camshaft oil seal was also leaking
However, the root cause went deeper.
Further investigation revealed that the ProVent catch can filter was completely blocked. This blockage caused excessive crankcase pressure, as the engine was unable to breathe correctly. When crankcase pressure builds up, it can force oil seals out of position — which is exactly what happened in this case.
The Repair Process
To rectify the issue, we:
- Replaced the front crankshaft oil seal
- Replaced the camshaft oil seal
- Installed a new timing belt kit
- Fitted a new ProVent catch can filter
- Reassembled all timing components to manufacturer specifications
- Conducted a thorough road test to ensure correct operation and confirm no further leaks
After repairs, the engine was breathing correctly, crankcase pressure was normalised, and the oil leak was completely resolved.
Why Catch Can Maintenance Is So Important
Catch cans are a great addition to diesel engines like the 4D56, helping to reduce oil vapour contamination in the intake system. However, they must be regularly drained and the filter element checked or replaced as required.
If a catch can becomes blocked:
- Crankcase pressure increases
- Oil seals can fail
- Oil leaks can develop
- Major engine damage may occur if left unchecked
Routine servicing and inspections help prevent these types of issues — particularly when purchasing a used vehicle with aftermarket modifications.
If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle or noticed signs of an oil leak, our experienced team at Claremont Tyre and Auto can provide accurate diagnostics and reliable repairs. Preventative maintenance and correct installation practices make all the difference in keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
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