Eliminating oil leak problem..where to start?

Post by **HarryMann** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:19

Not sure what holes referring too.. to my eye, looks like it might be the engine crank seal, and oil seeping out of the join between the engine and the box, blowing onto the heat exchangers (which do like like they need changing)

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:26

Sorry, yes i know what you mean - there arent actually any holes in those pictures!
It was the others I have which i forgot to post..

Harry, the engine crank seal - Ive just looked in haynes (my bible).

Post by **Cate** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:39

Not leaking out of the rocker box cover then?

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:40

Well, Cate i know this sounds silly, but i dont think i can find the rocker cover!!!

I havent got any cardboard, as you suggested so ive just had to take pics of underneath instead

Post by **HarryMann** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:40

Does the oil look like its coming from the bottom of the join between the engine and gearbox bellhousing (where the two bolt together)..

as Cate said, cleaning up is not fun, but fairly essential if you're unsure where the origin is. A good idea is to use a spray can of degreaser, spray it on the area, or a rag, and keep wiping the area you think its coming from. You'll need a pack of vinyl gloves and a set of overalls are a good idea too!
Then when it looks clean enough to spot a new oil flow, drive the van a short distance (so it doesn't get obscured) and re-inspect. Actually where its dripping from is not always a good guide to wher its coming from, without prior experience of how the leak flows. So bear in mind you'll get advice from those who have experience that doesn't seem to add up, and may sound off-beam.

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:44

Harry, thanks for that advice.

Im popping out now to get a gas regulator and ill see if i can pick up a can of degreaser. I have some gloves and some old clothes - if the weather holds (its sunny at the moment) ill give it a go.

Thanks again and i understand what you mean when you say that the actual drip doesnt necessarily mean that thats the source of the leak...

Post by **Cate** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:46

Emma, in your second pic the rocker cover is the big rounded off oily bit to the right, with a big round metal band holding it on, you have one either side of the engine in matching places, lower down ish. Does that help?

Post by **HarryMann** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:50

PS. Know those areas can come from and cannot, don't waste too much time then cleaning areas that are obvious catchments, the areas to focus on are the origins - components that hold oil or have oil seals/joins that keep oil in. Heat excangers don't.

The rocker covers are either side of the engine, tin bulges just outside where the exhaust pipes attach to the engine itself. They're about a foot long (fore/aft) and a few inches wide and deep, with a thick wavy spring clip along their centre-line. They have flanges where they fit onto the cylinder head, which is where the oil might be coming from (though doesn't look like it). They might be obscured a bit by a tin plate shield of some sort. Just looking from the side might not be good enough, but try just looking in from the wheel arch area and they're aft of this line.

If you jack the thing up to get a better look, make sure you chock a wheel, and prop the vehicle as well, with stands, stout timbers under a frame, or at least a spare wheel; and lower it back onto the stand. Shove it around to be sure its steady before going under it...

Post by **HarryMann** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:54

Cate,

I don't think that's the rocker box, looks like the heat-exchanger...

Post by **Cate** » 19 Apr 2006, 12:01

The rocker covers are either side of the engine, tin bulges just outside where the exhaust pipes attach to the engine itself. They're about a foot long (fore/aft) and a few inches wide and deep, with a thick wavy spring clip along their centre-line. They have flanges where they fit onto the cylinder head, which is where the oil might be coming from (though doesn't look like it). They might be obscured a bit by a tin plate shield of some sort. Just looking from the side might not be good enough, but try just looking in from the wheel arch area and they're aft of this line.

Thats what I meant......

Post by **cumbriankeith** » 19 Apr 2006, 12:52

they are about £100 to 125 new (VW best but dearest) and that is each side!
If it's only the outer casing that is leaking then they can be repaired - time consuming and messy - see this site

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 14:57

Thanks all - youve really helped me a lot.
Ive bought some degreaser and took on board what youve all said...
I should only clean the source areas rather than things like the heat exchangers which are just playing a part in catching the oil after its leaked...
Im gunna give it a go in a bit and see what happens.
i would jack it up, but dont feel its that safe here - im on the side of a road...

Thanks again

Post by **germman** » 19 Apr 2006, 17:00

just from looking at the photos , it apears the rocker covers are leaking the oil drips into the heat exchanger directly underneth the rocker cover and it stinks this is how i stop em leaking youl need some new cork gaskets , blue gasket seal in a small tube and some de gresser spray ,get yourself a shortish strong screwdriver and some clean raggs ,wedge the screwdriver behind the bail arm holding the rocker cover on and give it a good tug down
remove the rocker cover and clean up the edge of the head /rocker cover with the de greaser get all the old gasket off , get both surfaces clean and dry aply a little of the gasket seal to the head side of the joint re fit the rocker cover but wiggle it around a bit to spread the gasket seal out if you know what it mean ,leaver over the bail arm , there apears another leak fron the photos just whare the gear box bell housing meet with the engine ,thats a bit more tricky as it prolly means the flywheel oil seal is leaking (common prob ) this can contaminate the clutch if its bad and the clutch slips , i am afraid its engine and box out and replace the seal ,better done by garage if you are not confidant doing it yerself , its not going to stop you driveing it if the clutch bites ok then theres no rush to fix it !!

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 17:36

Hi Germman thanks for your help..

Doesnt sound like good news

The clutch seems fine right now, no problems - but you have a point.
Ive just spent an hour cleaning underneath and still no joy - i think the rocker cover is leaking though...very hard to tell?
The drip in the middle part of the van, is fishy (to smell)- so Im guessing that is not oil...

Post by **Cate** » 19 Apr 2006, 17:40

I don't think that's the rocker box, looks like the heat-exchanger..

Yes you're right, sorry, looking at the pic quickly at work before the boss noticed..... he did, and I got rapped for looking at dirty pics!

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Eliminating oil leak problem..where to start?

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