help with strange oil leak

[tug]

My N46 has developed an oil leak, but its not a common one, the oil is dripping from behind the water pump pulley. While looking up from beneath the zed around the water pump area on the lower front wall of the block there looks like a "bung" and the oil seems to be coming from it or above it. I cant really tell without taking the w/ pump off. The top part of the engine is sound and clean so not coming from usual leak areas.

So, just wondering before i take the w/pump off if anyone has any idea or has experienced this, The rest of the engine is clean and no other leaks anywhere.

Thanks to anyone who can help or advise me.

 

[enuff_zed]

Is it item 11 here?
Although it's hard to tell, but that looks like it goes into the water jacket?
So is there anything above that showing signs of a leak?

 

[tug]

Thanks for the quick reply enuff. If that plug no.11 sits directly behind the water pump assembly then that would more than likely be where the leak could be coming from. That could well be the "bung" i can see which is partially hidden by the W/P assy.

 

[enuff_zed]

Thanks for the quick reply enuff. If that plug no.11 sits directly behind the water pump assembly then that would more than likely be where the leak could be coming from. That could well be the "bung" i can see which is partially hidden by the W/P assy.

Well I have to say that's all I can see in that vicinity. But I'm still doubtful it would be a source for oil.
Now, I'm going to insult your intelligence here no doubt.....................is it oil, or water that is picking up oily residue on it's way down?

Tbh, I can't see anything else unless you want to consider head gasket???

Much as you don't want to, I have a feeling it is a case of pulling the pump off for a better view.
If it is that plug then maybe just a new seal will sort it?

But now the working day is over, hopefully more knowledgeable Z4 engineers will pitch in with some help?

 

[tug]

Thanks mate, you haven't insulted my lack of intelligence at all It is definitely engine oil & a mechanic that as had a look as ruled out the head gasket as it is well below that. Do you know if the seal (if thats what it is) is easily replaceable?

 

[enuff_zed]

Thanks mate, you haven't insulted my lack of intelligence at all It is definitely engine oil & a mechanic that as had a look as ruled out the head gasket as it is well below that. Do you know if the seal (if thats what it is) is easily replaceable?

I'm afraid my knowledge extends only as far as finding that reference on Realoem. Sorry.

It lists it as one part, so I'm wondering if it is a metal crush washer type of gasket that is captive on the plug?

 

[enuff_zed]

Just noticed my cut and paste wasn't very clear.

The Part No. is 11117558632

A quick search does indeed show it as a metal screw plug with what looks like a metal crush washer fixed to it.

Can only find overseas sellers atm, but looks around 5 or 6 euros.
Maybe just as easy to ask your local dealer?

 

[tug]

Got it solved mate, it was just above the bung in the diagram with like you say a metal screw plug which had come loose over time. So changed the seal, tightened up, and good as new.

Thankyou so much for your help & time enuff its warmly appreciated.

Cheers, tug

 

[enuff_zed]

Excellent news.
An easy fix is always welcome. So it was the plug I mentioned then? Bit confused as you seem to be saying there's a bung as well?
Did you just fit a new sealing washer then?

 

[tug]

In the end mate i gave it to my company mechanic to sort out. Would have loved to have done it myself but we are a bit busy at work. I just repeated what he told me. Apparently there is a plug, same as you describe above the bung shown in the diagram, and can only be found by removing the W/Pump. This had come loose over time allowing the oil to seep out.

He said he had replaced the seal and torqued back up, job done.

Thanks again mate for your help.

 

[enuff_zed]

No worries. Glad it's all sorted with minimum grief.