If you are the proud owner of a Can-Am Maverick, you know it is a powerful and impressive machine. However, no vehicle is perfect, and even Maverick is known to have some issues. One of the most common problems with this vehicle is oil leakage.
To deal with a Can-Am Maverick oil leakage, you’ll need to inspect its parts. This issue is mainly due to faulty oil seals and gaskets. While it may be a pain to deal with, it is a relatively easy fix that a professional mechanic can do.
This article will further educate you on the leading causes of oil leakage in a Can-Am Maverick and the steps you should take to fix it. So read on to learn more!
1. Check the Oil Pan for Damage
The oil pan is one of the most important parts of your engine and is also one of the most common sources of oil leaks. The oil pan is responsible for storing and holding the engine’s oil, so it’s constantly under pressure (source).
Over time, this pressure can cause the oil pan to crack or break, leading to oil leakage. If your engine is leaking oil, it’s important to check the oil pan for any damage. If the pan is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced to prevent further leaks.
2. Ensure the Seals are Tight
Seals are important for keeping oil where it needs to be in your engine – circulating and lubricating. Poor seals can cause oil leaks, which in turn, can cause engine damage, a smoky exhaust, and decreased power.
The seals are responsible for keeping the oil in the engine, so if they are damaged or broken, it can cause oil to leak out. In most cases, you may be able to replace the seals yourself.
However, if the damage is severe, you may need to take your Maverick to a mechanic or dealership for repairs. You’ll need to address this issue ASAP before you cause irreparable damage to your vehicle.
3. Tighten the Drain Plug
It is important to keep an eye on the drain plug of your Can-Am Maverick. If the drain plug becomes loose, it can cause oil to leak, which can damage your engine (source).
If you notice any oil leakage, tighten the drain plug and check the oil level. If the oil level is too low, add more oil. It is also a good idea to check the oil level regularly to avoid this issue.
4. Don’t Overfill the Maverick
When you check your oil level, it’s important not to overfill it. Overfilling your Can-Am with too much oil can cause a leak. The excess oil will overflow from the crankcase through the breather hose. Along with making a mess, this can also lead to engine damage.
Oil is essential for cooling and lubricating the engine, so if it’s leaking out, the engine will run hotter, and parts will wear out prematurely. To avoid this, check your owner’s manual for the proper oil level, and don’t add any extra.
5. Inspect the Head Gasket
If you’ve ever found oil leaking from your Can-Am Maverick, it could be due to a head gasket failure.
The head gasket is primarily responsible for sealing the engine block and cylinder head, preventing oil and coolant from leaking. When the head gasket fails, oil can leak into the coolant, resulting in a loss of lubrication and cooling. In severe cases, head gasket failure can also lead to engine damage (source).
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent head gasket failure in your Maverick. Inspect the engine regularly for leaks, and check the coolant level frequently.
If you notice any oil in the coolant or a drop in coolant levels, have the engine checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Changing the head gasket is not something you can do yourself, so it’s important to get it fixed before it causes further damage.
5. Check If the Crankcase Ventilation System Is Clogged
Oil can also leak from your engine if the crankcase ventilation system becomes clogged. Crankcase ventilation problems are often caused by a build-up of dirt, dust, and debris, which can cause oil leaks.
Luckily, you can do a few things to prevent this problem:
- First, make sure you regularly clean your Maverick’s air filter. A clean air filter will help to prevent dirt and dust from entering the engine.
- Have your Maverick serviced from time to time. A qualified mechanic will be able to spot any potential problems before they cause severe damage.
6. Inspect the Engine Block
One common cause of oil leaks is a cracked engine block. A cracked engine block can occur for several reasons, including wear and tear, overheating, or impact damage (source).
While a small leak may not seem like a big deal, if the culprit is a cracked engine block it can cause several problems, including decreased engine performance and oil pressure. In severe cases, it can even lead to engine failure.
There are a few different ways to fix a cracked engine block, but the most effective way is to replace the entire block. This may sound like a daunting task, but with the help of a qualified mechanic, it can be done relatively easily.
So if you have a cracked engine block in your Can-Am Maverick, don’t delay getting it fixed.
I’ve also written a guide to common Can-Am Maverick fault codes. Read it to learn more about the problems and ways to fix them.
Final Thoughts
The most common areas for leaks are the oil pan, faulty seals, and gaskets. If you cannot find the source of the leak, take your Maverick to a qualified mechanic or dealer for further diagnosis.
They will be able to properly diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring that your vehicle is back up and running in no time.
Once you have located the source of the leak, it is time to fix it. You may be able to repair the gasket or seal for minor leaks, but major issues require a full replacement.
