Inspecting Chevy Trax turbo leak

Feb. 3, 2025
This bulletin applies to 2019-2022 Chevy Trax vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine.

This bulletin applies to 2019-2022 Chevy Trax vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine.

You may isolate an engine oil leak to the engine block just above the oil filter. The leak may appear to be related to the lower crankcase extension to block sealing surfaces or to block porosity.

Warranty analysis shows that this leak may be coming from the turbocharger oil feed pipe fitting at the engine block or from the engine oil cooler gasket. Prior to removing the lower crankcase extension or engine replacement, perform the following inspections.

1. Completely clean the entire engine and surrounding components.

2. Add GE-28431-6 black light oil dye to the engine crankcase.

3. Operate the vehicle for several miles at normal operating temperature and at varying speeds to produce the oil leak.

4. Use GE-42220 universal 12v leak detection lamp with the oil dye to isolate the area of the leak.

5. Confirm if the engine oil cooler gasket or the turbocharger oil feed pipe fitting is the cause of the leak.

If the engine oil cooler is removed for inspection, the gasket must be replaced. If the turbo oil feed pipe fitting is removed for inspection, the fitting and gasket must be replaced.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of  specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.

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