Oil leak

[PHJayV8]

Hi guys

I know the answer to this could be "anywhere"

Just done a show, and on arriving home, quite a nasty oil leak on the near side, and some on the inner wing and front radiator panel....

Any pointers?

[keatsie]

I had a similar leak turned out to be one of the oil lines that runs to the oil cooler, at speed oil was hitting the alternator belt and being sprayed all over the place.

[Number 7]

PHJayV8 said:

Hi guys

I know the answer to this could be "anywhere"

Just done a show, and on arriving home, quite a nasty oil leak on the near side, and some on the inner wing and front radiator panel....

Any pointers?

On that side it could be the rocker cover gasket, or the rubber seal under the clamp at the back of the valley gasket (latter unlikely), or if you've been hooning the N/S rocker breather might have put some oil out. Don't really know how any could get to the rad panel though - a pic might help.

[ElvisWedgely]

Before you can fix the leak you need to find the source of the problem. Most Wedges leak a little and very few are completely oil dry. However if the leak is substantial it needs to be investigated.

Take a good look at the oil its leaked on the garage floor. Dip your finger and smell the oil and look at its colour. If its red, then its power steering fluid, if its oil colour or blackish, then its engine oil, if its thick or smells then its gearbox oil. Once you've established what is leaking, then you need to put the car up on ramps and investigate.

If it's engine oil:-
check the rocker covers and if necessary change gaskets or tighten the four bolts on each rocker cover. Check the valley gasket, if leaking you may have to replace. Underneath check and tighten all sump bolts. Check all pipes to and from oil cooler and filter. Check to see if the crank case seal is leaking by the front pulley.

If it's power steering fluid:-
Check the power steering rack and gaiters and all pipes leading to and from pump. Check pump.

If it's gearbox leaking:-
Check rear seal. Check around bell housing.

That should cover the oil leak investigation unless its coming from the diff seals. Some oil leaks are easy to fix, others are a nightmare and best left to the experts. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Tony. TCB.

[Number 7]

Another thought for that side of the engine: is the dipstick fully home?

[PHJayV8]

Thanks all

I know this sounds daft, but as the oil loss is significant (ie halfed it's capacity in one short journey) I am not too worried, it must be something like a lose connection or hose.

Yes I too considered the pas fluid but it's deffo engine oil, which is annoying as previous owner changed the oil and filter for me before I got it

I'm working now till Weds, then it's a gunk session and further investigation

Jay

[PHJayV8]

Number 7 - good point actually

Additional info - the leak increases with engine running.... (Don't worry, she didn't run dry)

PS - it's not some auto chassis treatment system then?

Edited by PHJayV8 on Sunday 29th September 18:32

Edited by PHJayV8 on Sunday 29th September 18:34

[Stog]

My oil pressure switch was damaged and oil came spurting out of the ns all overthrow inside of the wheel.

[PHJayV8]

Stog said:

My oil pressure switch was damaged and oil came spurting out of the ns all overthrow inside of the wheel.

My dear Stog that could be exactly it - my nearside wheel is soaked.... I'm investigating tomorrow, will advise

Many thanks

Jay

[PHJayV8]

The oil pressure sender is for the oil pressure gauge....

The oil pressure switch is for the low oil pressure warning light....

Am I correct with this assumption?

Jay

[adam quantrill]

Yes!

[Stog]

In a nutshell. The switches are easier to get than the sender or you can get a "T" and connect both depending obviously what you have on your dashboard.

[PHJayV8]

Sorry guys, first chance I've had to have a "proper" look...

What appears to have happened is whilst opening the bonnet, the leading edge has been chaffing one of the oil cooler pipe, to the point where it has said "enough already"!

I note with interest the coolant hose is also dented by the same cause

Check ya pipes all

Any recommended mods to prevent a reoccurrence?

Here's the best pic I could get....



Jay

Edited by PHJayV8 on Saturday 5th October 12:32

[Stog]

Thanks for the heads up jay, I'll check mine today.

[Number 7]

Jay, the oil pipe run on my 400 is not routed like yours - it does not go through the gap that yours does - will try to get a pic as its difficult to describe.

[Number 7]

Here you go - the 2 pipes drop down under the ledge that the top rad hose rests on - you can just see them under the bend in the swan neck. The rad hose only touches the bonnet very lightly when open.

[PHJayV8]

@ Number 7 - well for crying out loud, it appears the pipes have been replaced in the past, and routed incorrectly?

Thanks indeed, I will route the new pipes properly

Yes there's just a slight dent on the coolant hose, but was thinking of changing them anyway as a matter of course

Many thanks

Jay

[PHJayV8]

Job done

Bought a new pipe from a local hydraulic specialist, the new pipe seems more substantial than the original, and I've routed it correctly this time

I've left the other pipe where it is, I know it shouldn't route that way, but the bonnet misses it, and the pipe is in good condition hence left it be.

Nevertheless, wedge back on road

Now the clean up of oily mess under bonnet and underneath begins

[MrPicky]

Just wait until the radiator top hose goes (after being scraped by the bonnet), then your engine bay will be steam-cleaned!

[PHJayV8]

MrPicky said:

Just wait until the radiator top hose goes (after being scraped by the bonnet), then your engine bay will be steam-cleaned!

Ouch!! lol