oil leaks

[trace A]

Hello again cars got a few oil leaks from rear of valley and some others underneath . I new about these when I bought it so its not a problem . Anyway I know there renowned for this so just wondered is it worth stripping down or shall I live with them . Could it possibly be blocked breathers ie crankcase pressure has there are a few if so where are they cheers trace

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Trace

There is a little mushroom type crankcase breather on the N/S rocker cover...You are better off removing it with a warmed engine...Place a 10mm open ended spanner under it and gently tap it upward...There should be a pinhole inside the metal mushroom...The foam may need changing, Also check the condition of the flame trap gauze...You can clean them with some brake & clutch cleaner...or if you are careful a little fuel...or just buy a new one.

The rocker cover gaskets can leak as can the top oil seal on the gearbox...It might be worth checking the oil levels on the GB and the diff...also while you are at it plop some grease into the inner & Outer UJ's...The two prop UJ's and the door hinges....


Hope this helps


Ziga

[trace A]

Many thanks for the reply mate ill check it out

[adam quantrill]

As Zig says check out the big breather gauze, as this is the one that relieves blowby pressure in the engine. The mushroom one is only there for idling, to let some idle air get drawn through the block.

Apart from the gauze ifself the fat pipe on the top of the breather to the plenum can get blocked inside, so blow through that to check it. Also where it mates onto the plenum there's an air duct past the throttle that can get blocked too. This one is a pain to clean out but I've had some success blowing a length of cotton through, then pulling through a string, then a thicker string with a rag tied to it. Pull that through back and forth with a bit of petrol on it.

If the rocker gaskets are weeping simply tighten up the securing screws (hand tight with a screwdriver). if the gaskets are cork they become brittle, replace with the rubber ones.

Another source of leaks is if the sump bolts are loose, just nip them up.

[trace A]

Thanks adam

[Sireatalot]

Morning Trace.

Sorry to hear about the oil leaks.
During my ownership, I had new valley, rocker cover and sump gaskets fitted - pretty sure the rocker cover ones were the rubber type.

Also, I did get the front / rear crankcase seals done, new clutch (in case of contamination), front / rear gearbox seals done and new diff seals.. not sure on the top gearbox seal TBH. I also had to replace the speedo gear ( gearbox end ) I think new seal was fitted at same time.

Where abouts underneath are they coming from ?
Cheers
Dom

[trace A]

Hi dom
Really nothing major mate just noticed dripping from rear of valley and some underneath not had chance to have a proper look yet . Really not a problem mate has it gives me a chance to have a tinker . Great to know clutch and other bits have been done gonna give breathers a clean and have a good look . More than happy with car and hope yours is coming on. Hope we get chance to meet sometime and thanksor the offerof a chat all the best
Trace

[KelWedge]

A Bit of oil flying around, is fine will help keep the metal bits from getting rusty,

[tvrmk363]

I was working my way through leaks and found that my mushroom vent had no hole. Not plugged, no hole. I drilled it out and put a new foam insert in it and it slowed down my valley leak a little. Still have to replace the gaskets to cure that issue.

[adam quantrill]

KelWedge said:

A Bit of oil flying around, is fine will help keep the metal bits from getting rusty,

Quite right - love juice for the chassis. ;^)

As for the valley gaskets usually you can take off the metal clamps, silicone them and replace.