BORED? Play guess the oil leak!

[Chopchop]

So I have tell tale signs of an oil leak, drips on my drive and a very moist undercarriage. Removed the undertray to be greeted by a mixture of old sludge and mud, thanks to the off road test by a previous owner.
Anti roll bar, steering rack, frame around the area grim. The front of the engine surprisingly dry. Looking towards the right side the engine mount and whole side of the engine covered in fresher stuff. The oil dipstick receiver a bit wet but nothing much, nothing behind it. Removed the air box, alternator dry, oil filter lid secure and dry.

Tightened up the fairly loose oil drain plug ( could it be that easy?!)

Havent removed the intake manifold, could an oil leak be coming from there?

I Suspect the oil filter housing gasket, engine coming up to 150k so due a change anyway. Open to other suggestions though.

Would I see oil up the side of the engine with oil pan gasket leak?

 

[enuff_zed]

I'd suggest you need to clean it up completely and dry it all off. You at least then have a chance of finding where it originates from.

 

[nick_l]

I don’t think from your description it’s the oil filter gasket as that would be obvious from the front. When mine was leaking it covered the alternator.

I’d hazard a guess it could be sump gasket, but as above give everything a good clean and see if any leaks re appear.

Have you noticed any loss of oil or a need to top up more oft than usual?

 

[mr nurburgring]

Oil filter housing gasket.

 

[Chopchop]

I’ve cleaned it up as much as access is allowing, I’ll change out the oil filter housing gasket as a preventative measure anyway. Yes it’s lost quite a bit of oil since I’ve changed it last month, its a significant amount. The freshest oil is on the side of the block behind the oil filter, I’ll dry it and keep an eye out for fresh leaks after the gasket change.

 

[patriot66]

"The freshest oil is on the side of the block behind the oil filter" Must surely be the OFH gasket

 

[Chopchop]

So, job done with the OFH gasket, it’s not very complicated at all. I’ve cleaned down the area and will keep my fingers crossed.

 

[Chris_D]

Feel around the back of the cam cover under the lip where it meets the head ( when engine is cold ofc).
If you pull your fingers out and they’re covered in oil then its camcover gasket replacement time.

 

[patriot66]

So, job done with the OFH gasket, it’s not very complicated at all. I’ve cleaned down the area and will keep my fingers crossed.

I don't wish to insult your intelligence but you have changed this gasket ?

 

[Chopchop]

Feel around the back of the cam cover under the lip where it meets the head ( when engine is cold ofc).
If you pull your fingers out and they’re covered in oil then its camcover gasket replacement time.

Thanks, I’ve got no history with the car so I’ve no idea if it’s been done, I’ll check that out.

 

[Chopchop]

So, job done with the OFH gasket, it’s not very complicated at all. I’ve cleaned down the area and will keep my fingers crossed.

I don't wish to insult your intelligence but you have changed this gasket ?20200720_182848.jpg

Yes mate, that’s the gasket I’ve changed. The old one was very stiff and brittle so probably the original.

 

[Chris_D]

Feel around the back of the cam cover under the lip where it meets the head ( when engine is cold ofc).
If you pull your fingers out and they’re covered in oil then its camcover gasket replacement time.

Thanks, I’ve got no history with the car so I’ve no idea if it’s been done, I’ll check that out.

Found a pic of location if it helps...