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[Diamond Black Geezer]

As per...

Fairly loud clatter / rattle very much like a diesel.

Timing overdue slightly (few thou, this is in hand soon as I can get to the very nice chap)
Oil weep (long standing leak, always suspected rear crank seal)
Coolant weep (getting worse, shot up to about a litre in the last week, versus maybe 1 litre a month-2month)
Oil pickup strainer cleaned earlier this year
Regular oil changes, last service only a couple of months ago

Concerned it's beginnings of timing slipping, however other posts on here suggest oil starvation, tappets.

Would have had her off the road long time ago but she's in daily use by other half as District Nurse, so ploughs through 1k miles a month. In spite of the above runs sweet as a nut, good mpg, smooth.

This clatter is forcing my hand though I've had enough, don't want to leave her like that if it's going to be serious. Thoughts?

[dave the builder]

What oil are you using ?
Trade club semi 10w40 
5w30 fully synthetic oil doesn't have enough dinosaur juice in for older, high mile engines  and weeps past seals etc, lower pressure from the pump.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

good suggestion, on the last of the 20l tubs of genuine GM trade club 10w40, always had nothing but that in her. 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Sticky lifters would be my guess.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

good 

basically so long as I can rule out timing I'm a happy boy. Going to get some Forte Top End or similar off Amazon in a sec, see what that does. 

[Doctor Gollum]

Sudden coolant use could be a sign of hbv failure with the recent change in temperature... 

[Diamond Black Geezer]

I have had HBV at back of my mind, however it's not that old. I do have an aftermarket one as 'reserve' so will probably change it for that just to eliminate it from my inquiries. 


Just to add, this clatter only occurs on a warm/hot engine. Which I would assume (possibly wrongly) that rules out leaky exhaust gaskets / slipping timing.

[Nick W]

good 

basically so long as I can rule out timing I'm a happy boy. Going to get some Forte Top End or similar off Amazon in a sec, see what that does. 

just add some ATF about 500miles before the oil change.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

nice tip. Heard people say a splash of diesel (seems a little extreme/scary) but always a bit anxious when "I reckon/my mate's brother says he swears by..." etc..

But coming from you I know that will be from experience and knowledge, ta 

Don't think it's timing starting to die then, Nick?

[Nick W]

nice tip. Heard people say a splash of diesel (seems a little extreme/scary) but always a bit anxious when "I reckon/my mate's brother says he swears by..." etc..

But coming from you I know that will be from experience and knowledge, ta 

Don't think it's timing starting to die then, Nick?

Diesel will just dilute the oil.


ATF is a thin oil with lots of detergent, and that's what all the expensive cures add. You probably already have some, so although it isn't quite as effective it will do the job.


Cam timing doesn't gradually slip. It shouldn't change AT ALL between belt changes. But if something fails, you have a big problem. It might be worth peeking inside the belt cover for visible damage

[Diamond Black Geezer]

nice tip. Heard people say a splash of diesel (seems a little extreme/scary) but always a bit anxious when "I reckon/my mate's brother says he swears by..." etc..

But coming from you I know that will be from experience and knowledge, ta 

Don't think it's timing starting to die then, Nick?

Diesel will just dilute the oil.


ATF is a thin oil with lots of detergent, and that's what all the expensive cures add. You probably already have some, so although it isn't quite as effective it will do the job.


Cam timing doesn't gradually slip. It shouldn't change AT ALL between belt changes. But if something fails, you have a big problem. It might be worth peeking inside the belt cover for visible damage

confirms what a mate of mine well-versed in Vauxhall 6s and other motors said.

Even as a matter of course, yes going to have a look at the belt/general signs of wear behind the cover, not a long job to get to it.

Do have some ATF about, probably not enough for a full 'box change so may be useful for that as you say. Checked oil change done June, 3.8k ago. 

[Nick W]

Even as a matter of course, yes going to have a look at the belt/general signs of wear behind the cover, not a long job to get to it.

Do have some ATF about, probably not enough for a full 'box change so may be useful for that as you say. Checked oil change done June, 3.8k ago.

So the next change isn't due for another 8k miles, or 6 months......

[Doctor Gollum]

You have checked the oil level?

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Does sound like comically low oil, I'll grant you. But sadly yes, checked. She gets checked every few days what with this oil leak. Bob between max and min as per usual. 

[Doctor Gollum]