Oil leak

[HeyAndy]

I have noticed of late that I'm getting a collection of oil that ends up sitting on top of the bell housing near the engine galley. I've cleaned it off a couple times and have checked to see if there's a trail but I don't have a clue where its coming from. Its not coming from the the galley as there is a lip in which to prevent anything dripping down on to the gearbox.

Any ideas where else to look?

[shpub]

Chcek that the engine breathers are not blocked and causing pressurisation and oil to seep past the valley gasket. The valley gaskets are not exactly the best at retaining oil in these circumstances.

[DICKYMINT]

Had similar on mine but could also see oil on top of the valley gasket (bulkhead end). Turned out to be a 50mm crack in the valley. Could be seen to "ooze" out when engine revved. Gobbed it up with araldite which lasted 6 months untill new composite gasket fitted as part of the cam upgrade.

[danny hoffman]

Mine has always done this - I have never been able to track it down. Please let me know if you cure it

Danny

[HeyAndy]

It was ok before the service.......

As soon as I find and cure the problem I'll let you know

Andy

[TaSmania]

T'was a perinnial warranty issue at LR so they replaced the steel valley gasket with the wolverine jobbie. My 400 did this and the new gasket with the cam change solved the problem and the SEAC is going through the same change for the same reason - right now.
GB

[HeyAndy]

Is the valley gasket a big job to do if it needs replacing?

[wedg1e]

HeyAndy said:

Is the valley gasket a big job to do if it needs replacing?

Depends on your view of 'a big job'. To some folk, checking the oil is a problem.
To those of us blessed with half a brain and a competent toolkit, no, it's not a big job: couple of hours if you hussle, 3 or 4 if you take the time to clean things up as you go along.

Ian

[TaSmania]

Agree with Wedg1e,

Means taking the inlet off but if your canny you can get away with minimum disruption, as you can "slide" it in. I took the manifold off mine and gave everything a good clean and took the rockers off and changed these gaskets for the latest type as the originals did weep a bit
GB

[HeyAndy]

I'll take your word for it guys as I reckon I can do it. Just need to make sure that's where the leak is coming from.