Eliminating oil leak problem..where to start?

Post by **Emma&Al** » 18 Apr 2006, 19:42

A few drops on the road - nothing huge.
I have tomorrow off work, I am a complete beginner really - any tips on where to start looking? Ive had a quick look under the van and seems there is a lot of oil smeared over various parts....
I am wading through Haynes manual, trying to familiarise myself with the parts and im finding it really hard!

Its just where to start really??

Any ideas would be gratefully recieved!!!!

(p.s i have been told to look at gasket, rocker cover, valves??)

Post by **andysimpson** » 18 Apr 2006, 19:43

Petrol? diesel? watercooled?

Post by **Emma&Al** » 18 Apr 2006, 19:44

Oh yeah sorry!!

Its a 1981 Aircooled, petrol

Post by **Cate** » 18 Apr 2006, 19:47

If the underneath is smeared with oil give it a wipe over so you can locate where it is coming from easier.
Lay some cardboard under the van and see where the drips land.

Come back to us with some clues as to where it is coming from and hopefully you'll get some great answers.

Post by **Emma&Al** » 18 Apr 2006, 19:52

Ok Cate, thanks.
Hopefully ill do this tomorrow...
My main concern is that i went on a longish journey over the weekend and could smell oil burning the whole way, had to open windows etc for about 2 hours..
Its been suggested to me that the oil may be leaking onto the heat exchangers, which are then heating up and blowing into the cab area via the vents?

I will do what you suggested with the cardboard - thanks

Post by **andysimpson** » 18 Apr 2006, 20:13

Emma&Al wrote:Ok Cate, thanks.
Hopefully ill do this tomorrow...
My main concern is that i went on a longish journey over the weekend and could smell oil burning the whole way, had to open windows etc for about 2 hours..
Its been suggested to me that the oil may be leaking onto the heat exchangers, which are then heating up and blowing into the cab area via the vents?

I will do what you suggested with the cardboard - thanks

From that description its almost certainly from the rocker covers or gaskets or possibly pushrod tube seals. If the rocker covers are leaking and look rusty replace the covers and gaskets, they are fairly cheap.

Post by **Emma&Al** » 18 Apr 2006, 21:09

HI andy - thanks - if they do turn out to be rusty (highly likely seeing as its a very rusty van

)..where could i get a gasket and rocker cover from (shop wise) and does it take a professional to fit it? Would i need special tools if i had a go myself - (i am a beginner!)...what could the worse case scenario be if i mucked it up??

Post by **Louey** » 18 Apr 2006, 21:26

rocker covers are held on with big spring bars, you need a big screwdriver or lever to lever them off, the gasket is usually cork or rubber. I think cork ones are better.

You should be able to get them at German, Swedish & French car parts (GSF) or VW parts place.

Post by **andysimpson** » 18 Apr 2006, 21:28

Euro parts or GSF will have gaskets and covers but the quality is poor, i will only fit geniune ones. No special tools needed and none at all if you have strong fingers, its just a big spring clip that holds them on. They are very easy to do, the worst that could happen if you mucked it up would be more of a leak.

That smell of burning oil, i hope you like it because its going to last until all the oil has burnt off the inside of the heat exchangers.

Post by **Emma&Al** » 18 Apr 2006, 21:41

Ok, thanks louey and andy....

I dont like the smell - yuk its horrible!

If i manage to get the big springs off - will oil come out all over the place?
Im wondering how feasible it is to do this kind of thing on the roadside?

Post by **lhd** » 18 Apr 2006, 22:31

By the sound of "it stinks" this could be your gearbox main shaft seal. Is it dripping from between the engine and the gearbox. If so I would haste a guess that this is your problem.
If it was engine oil it would not have that nasty smell ( well shouldn't anyway ).
I have just repaired this problem myself.
If it is indeed the same problem, let me known and I will help you where I can.
If this is your problem, your g-box will eventually run out of oil ( BANG ), and your clutch will start to slip and need replacing.
Give the area a wipe with a cloth, If G-box main seal, it is usually more apparent after a long drive( leaking that is ).
lhd................................

Post by **lhd** » 18 Apr 2006, 22:37

My main concern is that i went on a longish journey over the weekend and could smell oil burning the whole way, had to open windows etc for about 2 hours..

sorry did not read all the post, lazy..zzzzzzz

lhd

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:02

No problem lhd, im just happy that you responded to my post

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:05

Been under the van all morning taking pictures and getting worried!
Is this a heat exchanger??

http://i3.tinypic.com/vxkoqf.jpg[img]

Ive sourced one of the leaks to this:

http://i3.tinypic.com/vxkozk.jpg[/img]

Post by **Emma&Al** » 19 Apr 2006, 11:08

I guess the oil fumes could be coming in from the holes??
Am i anywhere near warm or completely cold!!?!

I am going on a long drive this weekend - do you think it may be wise to temporarily patch these holes (no idea what with)...or just to replace with new heat exchangers, once the leak is "fixed"?

How much would i expect to pay for 2 heat exchangers (2litre, 1981 air cooled)...

sorry for all the questions