Oil on underside of engine - what could it be?
Discussion
Went to see a well priced 2003 MG TF160 locally. Car generally seems good, but the underside of the engine looks like this;
The car has had a oil change about 2/3 weeks ago, and has stood since then apparently. I'm wondering if the oil is from a messy oil change rather than a indication of a fault... Does that seem like a possibility, or is it wishful thinking on my part?
The car has had a oil change about 2/3 weeks ago, and has stood since then apparently. I'm wondering if the oil is from a messy oil change rather than a indication of a fault... Does that seem like a possibility, or is it wishful thinking on my part?
Codswallop said:
I'm wondering if the oil is from a messy oil change rather than a indication of a fault... Does that seem like a possibility, or is it wishful thinking on my part?
The oil filler cap is at the gearbox end of the engine. That seems to have oil over the other end of the engine.It would have to be a really messy change to get oil there.
Can you take the car for an independent inspection prior to purchase? If its a £100 fix it needn't be a deal breaker.
Head gasket oil leaks internal to external aren't that common, even on these. I would put a cheeky fiver on it being the cam cover gasket, when it goes, the oil seems to get everywhere. It can be DIY'd, takes around 90 minutes start to finish, £15 part.
But, get an indy inspection on the motor... especially if you're keen on it.
Head gasket oil leaks internal to external aren't that common, even on these. I would put a cheeky fiver on it being the cam cover gasket, when it goes, the oil seems to get everywhere. It can be DIY'd, takes around 90 minutes start to finish, £15 part.
But, get an indy inspection on the motor... especially if you're keen on it.
Dr Interceptor said:
Head gasket oil leaks internal to external aren't that common, even on these. I would put a cheeky fiver on it being the cam cover gasket, if they go, the oil seems to get everywhere.
Sounds like they're a common thing (I have no idea about Rover engines) - and from experience a cam cover gasket can get oil everywhere and anywhere.Krikkit said:
Dr Interceptor said:
Head gasket oil leaks internal to external aren't that common, even on these. I would put a cheeky fiver on it being the cam cover gasket, if they go, the oil seems to get everywhere.
Sounds like they're a common thing (I have no idea about Rover engines) - and from experience a cam cover gasket can get oil everywhere and anywhere.Don't forget there are 2 rocker cover gaskets of sorts, one is a cam cover to head and one cam cover to rocker cover, the most common to go is the 1st one which can be tricky as it holds down the cams
http://www.google.co.uk/search?um=1&hl=en&...
The gasket under the top black cover is an easy job the gasket between the part below it and the head in silver is harder and requires removal of the timing belt as it holds the cam down.
This is what my dads zs it doing not losing a lot but does cover the engine in oil.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?um=1&hl=en&...
The gasket under the top black cover is an easy job the gasket between the part below it and the head in silver is harder and requires removal of the timing belt as it holds the cam down.
This is what my dads zs it doing not losing a lot but does cover the engine in oil.
I bought a Rover with a similar K series motor once.
It quickly developed a similar oil leak, and upon further investigation it was leaking from the camshaft oil seals, behind the cam pulleys.
I then discovered that someone / the previous owner had used a hammer and centre punch, bashing small dents into the alloy of the head, around the seals, in an attempt to close the seals up to temporarily stop the leak.
So, could be this...
It quickly developed a similar oil leak, and upon further investigation it was leaking from the camshaft oil seals, behind the cam pulleys.
I then discovered that someone / the previous owner had used a hammer and centre punch, bashing small dents into the alloy of the head, around the seals, in an attempt to close the seals up to temporarily stop the leak.
So, could be this...
Dr Interceptor said:
Can you take the car for an independent inspection prior to purchase? If its a £100 fix it needn't be a deal breaker.
Head gasket oil leaks internal to external aren't that common, even on these. I would put a cheeky fiver on it being the cam cover gasket, when it goes, the oil seems to get everywhere. It can be DIY'd, takes around 90 minutes start to finish, £15 part.
But, get an indy inspection on the motor... especially if you're keen on it.
Not sure if it's worth paying for an inspection given that the car is a cheapie. The dealer has offered me the use of their ramp to have a good poke around underneath. If it is something simple like a cam gasket, I'd be willing to take the car on. Just not sure if something like that would cause so much oil on the bottom of the sump...Head gasket oil leaks internal to external aren't that common, even on these. I would put a cheeky fiver on it being the cam cover gasket, when it goes, the oil seems to get everywhere. It can be DIY'd, takes around 90 minutes start to finish, £15 part.
But, get an indy inspection on the motor... especially if you're keen on it.
It's a gamble, and I keep changing my mind between "it'll be fine", and "it's too borked to bother"
sjabrown said:
A little spilt oil or a small leak can spread a long way. Think of it as alternative rust protection!!
I'd like to think ^^that was the case here 
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
I bought a Rover with a similar K series motor once.
It quickly developed a similar oil leak, and upon further investigation it was leaking from the camshaft oil seals, behind the cam pulleys.
I then discovered that someone / the previous owner had used a hammer and centre punch, bashing small dents into the alloy of the head, around the seals, in an attempt to close the seals up to temporarily stop the leak.
So, could be this...
It quickly developed a similar oil leak, and upon further investigation it was leaking from the camshaft oil seals, behind the cam pulleys.
I then discovered that someone / the previous owner had used a hammer and centre punch, bashing small dents into the alloy of the head, around the seals, in an attempt to close the seals up to temporarily stop the leak.
So, could be this...
If the camshaft oil seals needed replacing, it's not the end of the world as they'd be fairly easy to do during the cambelt change.
I've just joined an MG OC, and they say it could be the oil cooler? They seem far more pessimistic then us PHers too
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