Oil Leak on e36 M3 EVO

[HarryH]

Morning all

My car has suddenly starting to bleed oil
had the CPV replaced as it was weaping a little, oil level sensor o-ring and rocker cover gasket already recently replaced.

Cant seem to find the source of the leak, have been told by one mech, it may be the headgasket, but the car is showing no signs whatsoever of a failing headgasket, not losing any water/temp is fine/oil level is fine/starts ok each time and runs ok

Diagnostics back in dec did show 2 cylinders with a few misfires, but they were just reset, and i havent had a diag' done since.

With the plastic cover off, looking upwards, you can see signs of seepage on both sides on the back end of the block, but jesus, its so hard to see anything conclusive. there is some signs of oil on the braided clutch hose, where oil may have been leaking down onto it
seems dry above the headgasket

any suggestions where i might find the source of the leak? (hoping its not the head leaking)

will a sniff/compression test show anything?

if it is the headgasket, anyone recomend a garage suitable of doing the job
I have been quoted £1100 for the head to be stripped down/skimmed etc, and the vanos fully reconditioned with uprated parts (price doesnt include the headgasket kit nor bolts and oil etc).........thinks a very good price to be fair?

[rampz]

the e36 evo do unfortunately suffer from this problem, back of the block. depends how bad it is. However price you quoted seems fair. Speak to Phil at www.cpcpe.com - this is where I would take my car.

[rash_decision]

Never heard of any E36 engines being weak via the head gasket!??

Is the oil level dropping? Is it definately engine oil and not brake/clutch fluid or gearbox oil??

I'd buy a couple of cans of brake cleaner and give the engine a right good soak with it to clean oil off and keep an eye on things before having the head pulled off, that's a big job and expense!!

[HarryH]

rampz said:

the e36 evo do unfortunately suffer from this problem, back of the block. depends how bad it is. However price you quoted seems fair. Speak to Phil at www.cpcpe.com - this is where I would take my car.

on the contrary, from what i understand m3's hardly ever suffer from gasket failure, which is why i am hoping its something else

I have been reading up, and found there is a plug on the back of the block that comes loose and may need to be tighted up? this is on u.s spec cars, not 100% this plug exists on euro m3 engines?, cant find it on real oem (if anyone can see it, that'd help)

thanks for the site link, i will bear that in mind, cheers


@rash

its deffo engine oil, a have a very slight leak on the box, but that oil is clear red,and nothing to worry about
oil level is fine,has been for a few weeks i have been monitoring it
I'd say i get 2 drops (in different places) on my drive most nights about the size of a 20p piece

Edited by HarryH on Wednesday 21st April 16:30

[MPWR321BHP]

There is a valve on the evo block that leaks, ive had 3 replaced now, RG Lewis in Tattenhall, Chester whould be able to advise what it is, and how easy it is to rectify, this caused all my M3 engine oil leaks, if that helps. cheers.

[HarryH]

MPWR321BHP said:

There is a valve on the evo block that leaks, ive had 3 replaced now, RG Lewis in Tattenhall, Chester whould be able to advise what it is, and how easy it is to rectify, this caused all my M3 engine oil leaks, if that helps. cheers.

cheers mate, but i have already done that common valve failure i think
the CPV (constant pressure valve)

[Mroad]

If not checked already have a look at oil separator under the inlet manifold.
The pipes totally disintegrate over time and make a right mess.

[teabagger]

Mroad said:

If not checked already have a look at oil separator under the inlet manifold.
The pipes totally disintegrate over time and make a right mess.

Thats the problem I had.

[HarryH]

cheers for the replies
gonna try and give it a good clean and see what happens
convinced its not the head-gasket, just seems a bugger to get down to what's causing it
will list all the things suggested and get them checked out

sniff test be a waste of money? as its not over heating at all

Edited by HarryH on Wednesday 21st April 19:15

[MPWR321BHP]

sometimes its just a process of iliminating things, so if its not dear, good to knock another thing off the list of possible issues.

[bmthnick1981]

Cam cover gasket went on one of mine, fairly common so I was told. Cost me around £100-£120 to get it fixed by my specialist.