Can a car fail a MOT for an oil leak ?

Paul Thomas · Unread post by **Paul Thomas** » 01 Jul 2004, 13:40

I have a oil leak which is hopefully going to be identified by the garage today when they do the MOT.
Is a car a failure for having an oil leak ?
Certainly lookin at the http://www.motuk.co.uk/ web site it doesn't mention the engine or oil leaks at all.

NiSk · Unread post by **NiSk** » 01 Jul 2004, 14:06

Yes, a heavy oil leak will fail the MOT (danger to other road users), but most garages will just draw your attention to it.
//NiSk

wrinklet1 · Unread post by **wrinklet1** » 01 Jul 2004, 14:39

dependant on where the oil leak is, and how bad it is, makes the difference on wether or not it will fail.My Xantia has had an oil leak since I got it, not bad, more of a weap really, no problem with MOT, just rustproofing where it touches.
Paul

oilyspanner · Unread post by **oilyspanner** » 01 Jul 2004, 16:29

I have been told by my MOT Tester that if he sees it dripping its a fail, if its just oily then thats ok, I would advise wiping off as much as possible before the test.
Stewart

Unread post by **cheesesliceking** » 01 Jul 2004, 22:38

Surely if it can be seen to drip then the lea kis fairly serious & should be seen to anyhow?

jarmeez · Unread post by **jarmeez** » 10 Jul 2004, 00:53

according to the m.o.t tester manual the oil leak should be no more than 7.5cm in diameter in a time period of 5 mins!! then again if it was leaking that bad you would probably want it fixed anyway.
this only applies to engine,g/box, diff etc not power steering or brake brake fluid, any leaks from them and its instant fail!!!

Unread post by **philhoward** » 10 Jul 2004, 00:57

When the old BX went for its test (with a split Octopus pipe - we know how much LHM they leak), he advised me about it. I told him what it was and that i'll get it sorted shortly, and no problem.
He did ask me when; I played daft and claimed "Citroen back order" - I think his comment was "just before the next MoT, then??!" Naturally it was already on order from AS...

markallinson · Unread post by **markallinson** » 10 Jul 2004, 17:11

Well some MOT testers will refuse to do the emissions test if there are signs of an oil leak near the cam / crank oil seals, in case the timing belt goes/ slips etc. As far as I can remember there is a permission check box on the emissions cetificate to verify the owners has consented to them reving the nuts of it.
My Xsara leaks a bit of oil, and I was OK, clean it up go for it.
Now I really must order some oil seals....