Help with huge oil leak

[eddie.eagles]

Apologies if this has been discussed to death on precious posts. Last year I changed my push rod tube seals after having an oil leak and since then have had a normal drip somewhere, rarely had to top it up but since getting it through the mot its leaking big time. On returning from Tims do I found a huge pool of oil on the drive. I am unable to see where it is coming from as the bottom of the engine is caked and has splattered up the tailgate as it did do before I did the pushrod seals. Kwikfit checked my oil after the mot and topped it up (over 2 litres) but used synthetic, could this have made it worse?

I did notice that when I parked it facing downwards on a slight slope it stopped leaking but that could be cause there's no oil left to leak! As I don't have a ramp it's difficult to have a good luck so I thought I would attempt an oil change and redo the push rod tube seals, rocker cover gaskets, oil filter etc. Can anyone recommend what else I should change at the same time and where is the best place to get all the seals, gaskets, oil filter etc from? I have to resolve this before vanfest as I'm worried about knackering the engine on the way there. Oil type recommendations would also be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

[VWCamperfan]

You're going to have to give the engine a good clean to be sure where it's coming from, otherwise you could be replacing everything you don't need to!

[eddie.eagles]

I've found where the leak is and took a picture and if I can suss how to get the pic on here again I can show you! Basically at the front of the engine, where the two parts are joined in the middle, there is a small bit that sticks out which has a hole in it facing towards the back. Its coming from there. I then decided to drain the oil, remove the filter and will put fresh oil in it once I have a new filter as other than topping up I haven't changed the oil in the last year. Will new oil be thicker or am I being stupid!?

I also noticed that the oil strainer did not have a gasket and I rounded off the oil drain plug even though I was VERY careful! So I couldn't get that off so drained it via the oil strainer in the end. ANy suggestions on how to remove the drain plug?

As you may have guessed, mechanics isn't my thing!

[72BUG]

Smack a slightly smaller socket onto the drain plug with a big hammer. Worked for me and the socket is now a permenant part of the van.

Try changing to thicker oil to slow the leak. Halfrauds do a 20-50 classic motor oil. I found mine runs quiter and smoother on that and it doesn't leak as much.

[Ian Hulley]

Synthetic oil will pi$$ out opf the slightest leak that would merely be a seap with mineral oil in it. My experienced amateur advice would be to drop the oil and replace it with 4.5 litres of a regular mineral oil and a new filter and then see what leaks from where.

Ian.

[eddie.eagles]

Cheers Mart, tried that and smaller socket rounded it too so will try an even smaller one tomorrow.

Ian, Thanks, that makes sense. Is halfords a bad place to try and get an oil filter as they are open tomorrow?

[VWCamperfan]

Thats on the bottom of the bellhousing. Probably the flywheel seal gone, leaking down and coming out of the drain-hole.

[eddie.eagles]

Thats on the bottom of the bellhousing. Probably the flywheel seal gone, leaking down and coming out of the drain-hole.

Is that bad......ie expensive and hard to do....

[Ian Hulley]

Mann filter if possible no matter where it comes from. Halfords isn't a bad place, some of their staff are a waste of skin though. The ones in Derby Wyvern branch once refused to show me their flip-down TVs out of the box because they said I 'clearly couldn't afford one anyway'

Ian

[VWCamperfan]

Either the engine or gearbox comes out. I would prefer engine, the seals easier to get to! Flywheel off, old seal out, new seal in, put all back together.
May have missed out some little bits but that gives you an idea.

[VWCamperfan]

Mann filter if possible no matter where it comes from. Halfords isn't a bad place, some of their staff are a waste of skin though. The ones in Derby Wyvern branch once refused to show me their flip-down TVs out of the box because they said I 'clearly couldn't afford one anyway'

Ian

Cheeky gits!

[eddie.eagles]

Cheeky Gits! did you go back and buy everything Ian and have a 'pretty woman' moment or just tell 'em to f off...

[Ian Hulley]

Thats on the bottom of the bellhousing. Probably the flywheel seal gone, leaking down and coming out of the drain-hole.

Is that bad......ie expensive and hard to do....

IF it's gone ..

Box out, flywheel off, replace (very cheap) seal, possibly replace spigot bearing while you can see it, replace clutch (with new) refit gearbox etc and away you go.

Was the clutch slipping ?

Ian

[eddie.eagles]

Either the engine or gearbox comes out. I would prefer engine, the seals easier to get to! Flywheel off, old seal out, new seal in, put all back together.
May have missed out some little bits but that gives you an idea.

Thanks Mark,

bugger...a BIG job then...I hope thicker oil will do the trick!

[72BUG]

Worst case Eddie (are you sitting down) if it is the seal in the bellhousing the clutch could be contaminated with oil then it's a new clutch job. Happened to me on the Beetle.