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[tiggerman]

Hi - car has recently developed an 'irritating' oil leak (block paving driveway). This seems to occur when the car is standing overnight in the driveway. runs perfectly, never had the oil warning light go on so, not losing oil of any consequence - also not loosing water as far as I can tell. Anyone know what is likely to be causing the oil leak and whether this is a big job to fix?
Not a mechanic in any way so unlikely to be able to fix myself.
Regards, Larry

[NaughtyNigel]

Can you see where it is coming from? (Top of bottom of engine)? Is any of the oil dripping onto the exhausts creating smoke?

The camshalft cover gaskets (at the top) are a common problem on these engines. Sump gaskets can also weep a bit.  

NN

[bigdods]

Sounds exactly like the symptoms I had when my cam covers were leaking. Easy way to check, just pull the HT leads off the spark plugs and see if there is any oil n the plug wells. If there is you need cam cover gaskets replacing and breathers cleaning.

[TheBoy]

cam cover gaskets are most likely (use genuine gaskets, and use a torque wrench, else you'll be doing it again fairly quickly).

Plenty of other places as well, so you do need to locate it I'm afraid.

[tiggerman]

Thanks people - if it is the cam cover gaskets is this a simple/inexpensive replacement or something major?
I have been told that the engine needs to be removed to do this sort of work!!!!!
regards Larry

[Eighth_dwarf]

Just follow the guide posted around somewhere on the maintenance section, easy to do yourself. Expensive to get a garage to do it for you!