Tracing Major Oil Leak

[Merlydog]

Anyone any ideas where my major oil leak might be coming from please as I'm lost! It seems to be coming from the side with the starter motor on, the actual starter motor is covered in oil and it's dripping from the starter motor mount down the side of the bell housing.
I do have a minor oil leak from my sump plate which drips a tiny amount but this is leaving quite a puddle, only after I've used it and got it warm though.
What do you think boys? I've been out this evening and got covered in oil, still non the wiser though & my garage bills are out the window now so need to get down & dirty!!!

 

[moler]

Crankshaft oil seal? Would throw it around and maybe out the through the starter, although I would expect the clutch to slipping if it was that excessive.

 

[Merlydog]

Crankshaft oil seal? Would throw it around and maybe out the through the starter, although I would expect the clutch to slipping if it was that excessive.

I hope not.. That's just been replaced!! :shock:

 

[james_stan]

Can you tell if it's engine oil or gearbox oil ?

JS

 

[Merlydog]

Can you tell if it's engine oil or gearbox oil ?

JS

I'm pretty sure it's engine oil JS, as I've recently had an oil change & it's quite clean oil?

 

[geenjay]

it could be a leaking oil cooler ..cant really think of any where else unless its a case problem... :?:

 

[Merlydog]

it could be a leaking oil cooler ..cant really think of any where else unless its a case problem... :?:

That would make sense.. I'm not sure I want to ask as I think I know the answer but... Is that engine out job?? :?

 

[ZedBed]

it could be a leaking oil cooler ..cant really think of any where else unless its a case problem... :?:

That would make sense.. I'm not sure I want to ask as I think I know the answer but... Is that engine out job?? :?

That doesn't make sense to me - the oil cooler is on the other side and they rarely leak. Why new clutch Merlydog? Was it slipping? Did they replace the flywheel oil seal as well? I always do when I do a clutch - it would be rude not to. However, if they did, very occaisionally they do leak after - just one of "those things".

That's engine out too, but you'll know straight away if it's that because there will be oil in the bell housing.

Have fun and remember to prop up the gearbox.

 

[Merlydog]

it could be a leaking oil cooler ..cant really think of any where else unless its a case problem... :?:

That would make sense.. I'm not sure I want to ask as I think I know the answer but... Is that engine out job?? :?

That doesn't make sense to me - the oil cooler is on the other side and they rarely leak. Why new clutch Merlydog? Was it slipping? Did they replace the flywheel oil seal as well? I always do when I do a clutch - it would be rude not to. However, if they did, very occaisionally they do leak after - just one of "those things".

That's engine out too, but you'll know straight away if it's that because there will be oil in the bell housing.

Have fun and remember to prop up the gearbox.

Fun.. Hmmmm.. Lots of swearing is what I'm expecting Zed!! I had a new clutch in 4 month ago because;

1. It was slipping.
2. The flywheel was badly worn (it had a new one of them as well)
3. It had a crankseal then and has just had one very recently as well after some work that required engine out.

So I'm not sure, if it keeps blowing the crankseal pressure must be too high? Or, which is more likely, I'm unlucky! :lol:

 

[Clem]

Crankshaft seals can be a bit of a gamble on quality, like Zedbed said, it does happen. I guess the flywheel o-ring was also changed?

 

[Merlydog]

Crankshaft seals can be a bit of a gamble on quality, like Zedbed said, it does happen. I guess the flywheel o-ring was also changed?

Yes it was changed very recent Clem at the same time matey. If the odds are against me I'm always gonna come out worse off :lol: Anywhere that you can suggest make better seals than others or is it just a case of suck it & see?
It's forcing my hand into doing it myself though, downside is I won't be able to make vanfest in it I don't think. We can but try! :mrgreen:

 

[ZedBed]

It has to be said that if your main bearings are getting worn and you have some end float, the seal won't last long. Have you discussed this with the garage that did the work? We're all different, but I'd do the job again for you without charge as it's been leaking more or less since it was fitted? As far as seals go, the gen vw ones (black) are supposed to be the best, but they are a very tight fit so have to be fitted carefully to avoid distorting them. There are cheaper orange seals available that fit more easily, but aren't supposed to be as good. Personally, I fit the vw ones, but I've fitted both without problems.

You may need some gentlemanly assistance getting the flywheel nut off. Or borrow a torquemeister from someone local will make it a doddle.

Check the end float before you remove the flywheel. When it's in bits, give me a ring Sarah.

 

[Clem]

Ive fitted the silicone ones from Machine 7 which have worked ok. I dont think youre engine is worn enough to be causing the premature wearing of the seal though ... this is all on the assumption that its this seal thats leaking of course.

You will need a few special tools - something to get the flywheel undone, a clutch alignment tool and possibly a flywheel seal seating tool - all can be substituted by other tools but it makes life easier having them.

Brum to Malvern with a leak? No problem

 

[ZedBed]

What a nice man ^

 

[Merlydog]

Ive fitted the silicone ones from Machine 7 which have worked ok. I dont think youre engine is worn enough to be causing the premature wearing of the seal though ... this is all on the assumption that its this seal thats leaking of course.

You will need a few special tools - something to get the flywheel undone, a clutch alignment tool and possibly a flywheel seal seating tool - all can be substituted by other tools but it makes life easier having them.

Brum to Malvern with a leak? No problem

Hehe, I'm not sure Clem.. I'll need shares in oil though, it's pretty messy at the moment.. I'm getting dirty on wednesday so fingers crossed!! :? It will be quite a moment when I drop the engine and then bolt it bk in for the first time I'm sure. In more ways than one!! :shock:

 

[Graham L]

Just so there is no confusion here, we replaced the flywheel oil seal and O ring on Sarah's engine before she went to France recently, it was a new seal and o ring from Machine 7 our usual parts supplier.

We can't see that Its leaking from the flywheel oil seal again as Sarah says it by the starter motor which is above the seal and there is no sign of oil on the bell housing at the bottom where you would expect to see the leak

We are allowing her to use our ramp free of charge this week so she can pull the engine out herself to have a look , we will then help her to diagnose the issue.

 

[ZedBed]

Good man Graham.

We're all just trying to help Sarah.

She/you know we're guessing over t'internet.

 

[Merlydog]

We are allowing her to use our ramp free of charge this week so she can pull the engine out herself to have a look , we will then help her to diagnose the issue.

For which I am most grateful Graham tku!! and of course for everyone's efforts to assist!! 8)

 

[moler]

Please report back, as it'll be interesting to know where it is coming from, especially if it's the crank seal

 

[Merlydog]

Well seems suspicions were correct.. Flywheel seal leakage!! I guess it must have been flinging the oil up and out from the starter motor, as that's where it was most wet! Engine out, back in and oil changed by lunchtime!
Bring it on now.. Couple of jacks and there's no stopping me!
Thank you for the watchful eye Dave.. Without the tuition I'd have been there all day I rekon!
Fingers crossed now.. :mrgreen: