Is an Oil Leak a DOT failure?

“Excessive Oil in Engine Compartment.”
Have had that wrote a few times.

 

This is why I wash stuff all the time. Keeps the crap from building up if something is seeping a bit.

 

And the real kick in the nuts is, under any asphalt road, there is more pollution than a whole fleet of Harleys could lay out in a century.
And that pollution was put there by government.

 

Well, I'd prefer you pick on the British as far as oil dispensers, not our blessed H-D's, but you're right about asphalt, as the public glides along blissfully unaware at the environmental damage. Years ago, I worked at an asphalt company and spread oil based sealcoating for miles. Turns out, THAT was a disaster, and switched to a water based formula. How long did they oil sealcoat roads, 50 years?

 

I think it is important to use a better term. My first thought when I saw the word "failure" was during the road test for a CDL. Of course, you don't want to test in a vehicle leaking anything. I don't think this was your question. I think you are asking will an oil leak get a vehicle put OUT OF SERVICE? My answer is a firm MAYBE depending on the severity of the leak and the mindset of the officer. It is for sure a violation that may result in getting a state-issued citation along with the inspection. These situations can be avoided by simply looking under that truck at least once a day.

 

The bottom side of my engine and tranny looks like I just pulled it out of an oil soak and it’s drip drying.

 

Riddle me this: why if a leak could be an OOS, then how come lubricants do not require placards when being transported? Not even bulk ‘used oil’ require placards.

 

Don't think hazmat has anything to do with it. More so the fact that the fluid that is supposed to be lubricating the moving internal parts is on the outside not lubricating moving internal parts

 

True, but why is that a concern of the DOT? DOT should ‘stay in their lane’, be concerned with highway safety, not a drip from an engine, or a transmission, etc.

 

I used to think that same way. Still do think some of the DOT things are BS! However, I know of several families that lost loved ones because a truck locked up swerved sideways and ran over the vehicle they were in. Later the lockup was determined to have been caused by a lack of proper maintenance! It's a dang shame the DOT has to be this way, but as long as some carriers and drivers are willing to operate their equipment in an irresponsible way these rules are going to be in place! One of my aunts was run over by a truck on I-10 in the middle of San Antonio Texas many years ago. Destroyed her car and put her in the hospital for almost 3 weeks. It is what it is, all pay for the sins of a few!