Oil leak

[chur1996]

Looks like I have a (so far relatively minor) oil leak, think the seals may be on the way out.

Is this the kind of thing when the seals then go all of a sudden, leaving me with a load of dropped oil and a seized engine? My 20 mile journey to work is mostly motorway, so high speeds etc.

How much would I be looking at getting this sorted? Is there a lot of labour involved, or is it a relatively simple fix? Not looking forward to spending lots of money....only just paid for a year's tax!

 

[chur1996]

Has nobody had a problem with the seals or anything related then? I didn't think I was that unlucky!

 

[James.f]

have you located were the oil is coming from first ?

 

[Alastair.]

theres loads of seals mate, what car have u got and wheres it leaking from do u think?

 

[MikeB]

what seals?
where abouts is the oil?
what car?

 

[chur1996]

Sorry, realise I've been a bit slack with the information! It's a 2002 model 172, the oil had collected in the undertray and is definitely engine oil rather than gearbox oil/power steering fluid etc. Not had chance to definitely locate the leak as yet, but the amounts being relatively low so far is what makes me (and the garage who only had time for a quick look) think that some of the seals may be on the way out . Was just wondering if this was a common fault on these, and if anyone could give guidance on which seals exactly it may be that need replacing....

 

[Alastair.]

common to leak from the sumpgasket

 

[chur1996]

common to leak from the sumpgasket

Think that's what the garage suggested actually, although it was over a week ago and I've been drinking since! Is this a big/costly job to fix?

 

[chur1996]

Finally got round to taking it to a Renault Specialist near me for a proper look, it's the camshaft oils seals that are leaking, which means as well as those being replaced a new cambelt and possibly tensioners/auxiliary belt etc. (I say possibly as these were all only changed in January!) Only problem is I'm a bit strapped at the moment, the leak isn't too bad at the moment, does anyone forsee a problem in leaving it for a month or two until I can get the £500 or so together to have it sorted? Forgive my ignorance, but will oil leaking from here affect them belts at all, i.e. will the oil be dripping onto the belts themselves and cause problems? I don't want to drive round and then have these go causing an engine re-build!

 

[Daz.]

Whack it on a credit card for a month, no difference and your not running the risk of causing any damage.

 

[chur1996]

Yeah.....that's maxed out at the moment unfortunately!