Noob oil leak question

[jamiesmack]

Evening all,

I have only had my van a week or so and am still trying to get to terms with it! I am not the most mechanically minded but am trying to learn!

The only problem I have had so far is a slight smell of fumes in the cab, which was a bit worrying! There is also a little white smoke on start up.

After having a look underneath I have noticed an oil leak. Oil seems to be dripping slowly from both of the heat exchangers. I am guessing that this is what is causing the smell?

Also, the heat exchangers seem to have perished & been taped up Just where they meet what i think is called the silencer?

Any ideas on what is causing the problems, and what to do about it?

Apologies for sounding like an idiot, but I am trying to teach myself as much as possible.

Jamie

[billybigspud]

is it not the rocker covers leaking onto them?

[jamiesmack]

Maybe, Is that just a case of changing the gasket?

[kevtherev]

What engine is this?

[jamiesmack]

1970cc Petrol 1983

[kevtherev]

Air cooled CU then?

might be better to include your engine type in your signature..

[jamiesmack]

Yes that's right Kev. Have updated my signature now.

[billybigspud]

Yup, just a case of changing the gaskets. 30 minute job.

[jamiesmack]

Evening all,

Right, have changed the gaskets, but there is still a small amount of oil dripping from the bottom of the rocker covers. Why would this be? have I just fitted them incorrectly?

[kevtherev]

Maybe the rocker cover retaining spring has weakened.

[jamiesmack]

Ah right. they weren't easy to open, but i could do them by hand?

[kevtherev]

Hmm I can't do mine by hand..

[jamiesmack]

Right, ive given everything a good clean, and it appears its not the cover that's leaking now. It is coming from where the tubes join the back of the cover. I'm guessing thats the pushrods? What do I need to do to sort this? is it something a novice can do? Of anyone knows of a step by step guide / video, that would me great.

[ermie571]

Hiya, I think you need to be changing your push rod tube seals.

and being Aircooled, I understand that this is do-able easily with the engine in situ.

I heard that Air cooled (shop) sell good quality seals (different sizes each end)

if you google push rod tube seals, or search on here, or you tube search, sure you will come up with something

Hope this helps?

Em
xx

[jamiesmack]

Thanks for the advice. I got my seals, and made a start this morning. Managed to get the first six done relatively easy, but I can't get the last two tubes out. They will turn with a bit of effort, but I can't pull them out.

Any advice? Am I going to need to get replacement tubes for these two?