My stand mixer was stored on its side and leaked oil.

Mary Ann,
There actually is not actual oil inside the mixer. There is however GREASE. When the grease gets old it can begin to separate and then leak out like oil. The grease needs to be replaced in the mixer. You can find online video's on how to that and where to get replacement grease.

There could be one of two things wrong (or both). You might need a new seal or you might just need the machine to be regressed. Also, never keep your mixer stored on its side as this will automatically allow the machine to leak grease.

Your mixer is leaking grease not oil. It is a simple fix. First you have to open the machine and regrease it. Once you have done that try replacing the gasket. Also, this particular mixer cannot be left on its side (some people store it sideways in a cabinet or under the sink) doing so will cause the machine to leak as well.

gear grease is kitchen aid specific; sold by the can though a KA part supplier. while you're at it, replace the gear housing gasket as well.

referring to:

http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/assets/pdfs/literature/Repair%20Part%20List%20-%204176924.pdf

You can see that there are 5 screws holding the upper and lower gearcase together. They pinch the gasket number 26 together and prevent the oil and grease from leaking. Remove the chrome ring by prying gently around the ring. You will see the 5 screw heads. Tighten them and the leaking will stop.

If it still leaks then you may have to replace the fiber washers number 29 which will involve disassembling the lower gear case.

One tablespoon shouldn't make that much of a difference unless unit is still leaking oil, their should be a notch on unit to refill

Your kitchenaid mixer is meant to leak a tiny amount of oil around the rim of the planetary gear on the front of the machine. This is just a means of lubrication. If however you are getting alot of oil coming out of the sides of the unit, the transmission gasket may be worn or broken if this is the case it will have to be replaced. part number for the gasket is 4162324. If your getting alot of oil from the center of the unit this could indicate worn or broken seals. there are 4 located inside the unit, and would need to be dismantled in order to replace. part number for all four is 3180163. If you are leaking alot of oil or grease continued use of the mixer might cause it damage. Hope this helps

Thanks

your oil leaking is cause by a bad gasket or the gasket isn't seated properly. you can purchase this gasket but replacing it does require knowledge of the unit. part number for the gasket is 4162324. the grease can be purchased locally at any car parts dealer. generally a thicker paste type grease is used inside these units, but the original part number for the grease is 4160588 and comes in a container with enough grease for 5-8 mixers.hope this helps

Thanks

Leaking of oil in a stand mixer is not necessarily indicative of a large problem.

Kitchenaid stand mixers are overpacked with oil to last the lifetime of the motor. If the motor sits idle for some time (is not used), the oil may begin to drip from the gears and settle. Oil leakage may primarily be seen from around the beater shaft or planetary action.

A stand mixer can lose up to a 1/4 cup of oil before it needs to be serviced.

It is recommended to run the mixer on speed 10 for 2 minutes in order to redistribute oil back into the motor. In order to prevent future occurences, this is recommended to be done every 3 weeks if mixer is not being used.

Leaking of oil in a stand mixer is not necessarily indicative of a large problem.

Kitchenaid stand mixers are overpacked with oil to last the lifetime of the motor. If the motor sits idle for some time (is not used), the oil may begin to drip from the gears and settle. Oil leakage may primarily be seen from around the beater shaft or planetary action.

A stand mixer can lose up to a 1/4 cup of oil before it needs to be serviced.

It is recommended to run the mixer on speed 10 for 2 minutes in order to redistribute oil back into the motor. In order to prevent future occurences, this is recommended to be done every 3 weeks if mixer is not being used.
Exploded parts views for all mixers are available at www.kithchenaid.com. Click "Customer Care" in the upper right hand corner of the main page, and then select "Locate Manuals and Guides." You will need to enter the unit's model number exactly as it appears on the bottom of the mixer. It will be listed on a white sticker.