Club 80-90 Forums

Hi All

I have now suffered a major oil leak twice from the back of the engine. This has been caused by  the disintegration of shims which I can't even really visualize just now or appreciate  but might have a better idea next week when I see the engine out.  When you consider these shims are contributing to the problem,  I can't see how you avoid this reoccurring after a certain time. It's obvious they have degraded over no more than 18 months from the fist major leak. 

Makes me wonder about engine alternatives to eradicate the issue. Is this dumb thinking?

1.9 DG 1989 reconditioned engine

 

Are you saying the ruined shims are damaging the oil seal? If so, then something is not set up right. Did you rebuild engine yourself? Have you checked the flywheel/oil seal mating surface is unblemished. How far is the oil seal knocked in? Correct crank end play measurement?
Ive covered close to 100k on various WBX engines and never had a rear seal damaged to cause a major oil leak. The odd drip sure.

The engine was stripped down at specialists, a new fly wheel added along with the shims. The engine was then fitted by the garage I use. 

It will likely be heat melting the shims.

As the whole engine has been away and back is it too simplistic to say it just needed dropped back in the van and ancillaries attached? It should have no place to go other than on its mount?

I don't do the mechanics. Just basic checks and maintenance. Though working through Haynes to at least know what affects  what. 

I will see the engine out in the next day or so. 

Thanks for replying, Maxstu. 

I will ask about the set up. And one people look at the pictures, I hope it becomes clearer.

Did you use a WBX specialist or an engine specialist. Im mean someone very familiar with the flat four watercooled version?

There are two types of WBX engines. Early type and the late style engine. There are differences in the way the shims are set up between each type.

I take it your 1988 camper is running a late version engine with two oil pressure switches and DOP'S warning system?

WBX specialists. Very familiar with the engines.

It is a later engine with the two  oil pressure switches, one of which has been 'disconnected'-  the buzzer of doom. I recently had an oil pressure warning and got the oil and filter changed and the warning disappeared. Perhaps filter was a bit clogged.

The engine would have come back with the shims in the what would be considered the right set up. 

Maybe more will come out re the way the engine has been fitted as there will be comms between garage and specialists.

 

Okay. Seems you've got all bases covered.
Good luck.

What you said, though about measurements/clearance/play,  this might be what comes out of discussions. They are not referenced for nothing.  These guys can tell a lot from just pictures. 

I was yards away from.the garage when it dropped its oil so bad as it is, could have been worse. Only went in for a suspected broken spring!

Deep breaths.

Thanks for your input