1600 NA diesel oil leak(s)

Post by **saudijoker** » 09 Apr 2006, 19:01

Hello. My van is a 1982 NA diesel. I have repaired a crack in base of my oil filler neck using a soldering iron then some sealer over this, but still have a leak. It has a new o-ring and I have used some instant gasket stuff as well when oil continued to come out. On closer inspection, the oil appears to be coming from around one of the bolts, which is above the seal but i can't work out how its getting through (pos my repair hasn't worked....). Any ideas?

The slightly more worrying leak seems to be coming from the head gasket. It has leaked a bit here ever since i have had the van (nearly 2 years), but appears worse now. There is no oil in the water and its not running hot.

Any help would be much appreciated, Thanks

Post by **saudijoker** » 09 Apr 2006, 20:23

Not sure if I made it clear what I wanted help with. Is there some reason why I now have these oil leaks, such as increased oil pressure for some reason? or could there be some link between the two leaks? Does it sound like the engine is on its last legs? Do head gaskets often go in this way?

Thanks

Post by **Louey** » 09 Apr 2006, 22:27

check your oil level isn't too high - might be one reason otherwise I'm not much help

Post by **camper** » 10 Apr 2006, 05:59

I had a 1.6 na T25 for 10 years.There was an oil leak from the filler tube and oil leaking out off the head gasket between midway .I discovered the oil filler tube had corrosion inside which caused the oil to weep out.The head gasket was changed this cured the leak.But there are a few things to consider if the engine has high miles there may be a crack in the head .And ensure you replace it with the correct gasket identified by how many holes or notches are on it.

Post by **saudijoker** » 10 Apr 2006, 21:02

Thanks Louey and Camper, I always keep the oil level between the two marks, and check it frequentley due to the leaks. Did you change the head gasket your self Camper? If so is it a nightmare? Is it worth just changing the gasket, or is it always nessesary to get the head skimmed?

Thanks again, I have a bit of rag rapped around the filler tube at moment which is doing quite a good job..............

Post by **moth** » 10 Apr 2006, 21:21

The oil fillers necks tend to hair line fracture around where the tube joins the flange that bolts to the sump. I tried brazing one up once- it didn't work - sollution was a new filler tube from VW at around £40.

Post by **camper** » 11 Apr 2006, 06:04

Yes i replaced the head gasket my self.It would be wise to obtain a 1.6 or 1.9 vw diesel engine workshop manual.There are procedures to bear in mind regarding the timing belt and timing with the fuel pump and cam gear in the right position .You should obtain a locking pin for the pump and a special tool for the cam to be set.There is nothing difficult to do the job but take care in understanding how inportant it is to use these tools on removal and replacement of the cylinder head.I am sure some one on hear will guide as well as me.I mentioned a possibility of a cracked head only becouse it can cause no trouble untill you remove the head then refit it.

Post by **Bendyknees** » 11 Apr 2006, 11:23

I'd say if ur seepin oil out of the head gskt its a fair bet that you have some minor deformation in the face of the head. If your thinkin of removing it to change the gasket id go for a skim just to be sure. Imagine how peeved ud be to get the head back on an in a week its started seepin again, all cos uve tryed to save urself £20 beer money

Post by **saudijoker** » 11 Apr 2006, 19:17

Thanks all...Moth - there was a crack in the filler tube which i thought i had fixed by melting it back together with a soldering iron, but looks like this may not have worked for me either. Think will get new filler.....

Camper-Thanks for the info on replacing head gasket, i changed the timing belt about a year ago and so should be able to borrow tools again, also have haynes. did you have your head skimmed?

Bendyknees-True it would be an a*** to find its distorted after changing gasket. Was hoping to do job over a weekend, can you get a head skimmed while-u-wait?

Thank you all again

Post by **camper** » 11 Apr 2006, 22:00

The head gasket on my 1.6 na was changed without a head skim .Must have been lucky.