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[CyNick]

Hi Guys,

I posted some pictures of an oil leak, (constant fast drip from the sump rim) it was suggested by someone that saw it that it is probably coming from the oil seal where the crank comes out of the front of the engine.

Is there a guide here that deals with replacing this seal?

Is there a definite way to make sure that the leak is coming from here before stripping down?

The cam covers are leaking very badly and the plugs are very full of oil.. could this amount of oil be coming from here? - and if so, could it run down the front of the engine?

{as an aside}
Stealers have suggested that if the crank seal is leaking then the cam belt needs replacing as the oil splattered would degrade the belt - could this be true?? or is this another example of profiteering?  

The cam belt is new - kindly fitted by a member here - and the car hasn't been driven since.

I'm prepared to attempt this myself but guidance would be appreciated (and needed !!).. or maybe miggy or someone local could point me in the direction of a reliable (non stealer) garage in the NP postcode area?

I'll try to post the pictures again or add a link to the previous posts..

Any help would be greatly appreciated    

NICK

[Kevin Wood]

I would be inclined to fix the cam cover seals, clean up the engine thoroughly, and check for any new leaks. It's always difficult to pinpoint a leak when the engine is plastered in oil.

Regarding the cam belt, If it has drowned in oil it's probably best to replace but the chances are it won't have IMHO. Obviously you'd only need the belt itself, not the whole kit, and it would have to come off anyway to do the crank seal.

Kevin

[CyNick]

If I change the rocker cover gaskets do I have to both sides or just the side that is leaking.. or does it just make sense to do both as it's apart anyway?

[CyNick]

If I change the rocker cover gaskets do I have to both sides or just the side that is leaking.. or does it just make sense to do both as it's apart anyway?

cam

[Kevin Wood]

If I change the rocker cover gaskets do I have to both sides or just the side that is leaking.. or does it just make sense to do both as it's apart anyway?

I'd do both. Most of the work is stripping down anyway, and the reason for failure is normally breathers which will have knackered both gaskets. For this reason you need to clean out the breathers too.

The oil leak photos you posted before look typical of a cam cover failure and oil running down from it. I'd change the cam covers and you may well find that's all that was leaking.

Kevin

[CyNick]

If I replace these gaskets...

How do I clean the old oil off the engine? Do I spray or brush gunk? Do I or do I not pressure wash, steam clean? etc etc

What is the best method in general?
And what must I 'not do'?

- I've heard so many 'do it like this stories' and it would be good to hear peoples views - especially as there is so much oil to clean off!!

[Kevin Wood]

I find a paraffin spray gets rid of old oil pretty well, but failing that squirt with a bit of gunk and then rinse off with a hose. A bit of agitation with a stout brush will remove any stubborn oil.

Kevin

[shyboy]

I'm reluctant to disagree with an expert like Kevin, but I changed only the passenger side camcover on my 2.6l as the other was completely clean and intact. If the gasket had packed up, it would show itself as an obvious oil leak, I would have thought. And the driver's side is easy to get at if necessary.

[Kevin Wood]

I'm reluctant to disagree with an expert like Kevin, but I changed only the passenger side camcover on my 2.6l as the other was completely clean and intact. If the gasket had packed up, it would show itself as an obvious oil leak, I would have thought. And the driver's side is easy to get at if necessary.

  Not so fast! I've only changed 2 sets before.

It depends on your outlook, I guess. Both sets i've done there's been no doubt that both gaskets were fubared and leaking without doubt so the issue hasn't arisen.

On one hand you can say "leave well alone".

On the other hand, if changing the passenger side, the driver's side is already accessible. The gaskets I have removed have been hard like plastic anyway, so even if not leaking, they are not likely to be in the best condition. Depends on your views with respect to sorting the job in one go or potentially having to spend the time to go through it again with the other side.  :-/

Kevin

[Tony H]

If I replace these gaskets...

How do I clean the old oil off the engine? Do I spray or brush gunk? Do I or do I not pressure wash, steam clean? etc etc

What is the best method in general?
And what must I 'not do'?

- I've heard so many 'do it like this stories' and it would be good to hear peoples views - especially as there is so much oil to clean off!!

I wouldn't recommend steam cleaning in the v6 engine bay to mant things run on electrickery. Best to warm the engine up a bit clean off as much oil as you can with rags then spray with a water soluble de-greaser. use an old paint brush and work the de-greaser into the fiddley bits then rinse off with a hose preferrably warm water avoiding the electrics

[CyNick]

looks like gunk, an old brush, elbow grease and a bucket of warm water then!

[albitz]

looks like gunk, an old brush, elbow grease and a bucket of warm water then!

i think paraffin is better ,and alot cheaper