Oil Leak!?!?

[motormadJ]

I viewed a 2003 cup today and really liked it, except it had a bit of oil sitting on the rocker cover [i think].
There is a picture below, not from the car I viewed today, but very simliar.
http://img40.imageshack.us/i/p1010450wxp.jpg/

Am I right in thinking its most probably just a case of removing, cleaning and resealing the rocker cover bolts?
Any thoughts would be greatley apreciated.
Thanks.

 

[DrR]

Very common, mine leaks there.

 

[motormadJ]

So hopefully just a case of removing, cleaning and resealing the rocker cover bolts?
Thanks

 

[DrR]

It's a cambelt off job I believe, mines only used 1ltr in 5 years so not that bothered.

 

[motormadJ]

isnt it sorted with most peoples with just the bolts?

 

[motormadJ]

anyone else had this and sorted it by doing the bolts???

 

[Jonff]

Oil hasn't just been split down there when topping the oil up has it? I suspected mine was leaking not long after buying the car. I mopped the oil up and there's been no more evidence of oil around there. Worth trying to clean it and keeping an eye on it.

 

[172Ben]

Might be abit to much to be the bolts. No harm in trying but worst case denarii it'll need the rocker cover gasket doing.

 

[motormadJ]

The car I saw is a bit less than that example, so hopefully the bolts it will sort it.

 

[sideways danny]

that's not coming from the bolts, that's coming through the cover to head join, there's just too much

 

[Tigger]

How would you go about fixing it Danny?

 

[172Ben]

Rocker cover off and reseal job i imagine?

 

[Fred@BTM]

cambelt off, pullies off, cover off, reseal, whack it back together, its a big job

 

[motormadJ]

The original post isn't that clear really, that picture is just an example, the car I saw did have quite a bit less oil than that, probably half as much, or even less.
How likely is it to be serious on a sub 40k mileage 2003 cup?

 

[172Ben]

Id go and look at another one, its probably not worth the hassle unless you get it for a bargain.

 

[motormadJ]

I just dont know!!! lol. aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

 

[sideways danny]

The original post isn't that clear really, that picture is just an example, the car I saw did have quite a bit less oil than that, probably half as much, or even less.
How likely is it to be serious on a sub 40k mileage 2003 cup?

if it's due a cambelt it's no big issue. an hours extra labour on top. has it been done? (should have been at 6 years old!!)

 

[motormadJ]

yeah its been done, thats why im unsure.

 

[Cupster]

Hi J, we will get your mind put to rest! The pics I send you tonight I will post here too so the guys can see aswell.

 

[motormadJ]

Ok, good stuff. thanks!

 

[Cupster]

OK, pics of engine in question:

If there are more pics needed, let me know.

The oil levels are spot on since last service in Dec 08. doesn't appear to be fresh so makes me think some was spilt or something. Will get it checked out, but what do people think it may be?

 

[Fred@BTM]

looks more like bolts to me, no biggie

 

[Cupster]

Fred: Is there any way to tell if its anything more sinister. Was going to try cleaning then see if any significant amounts come back? I would expect the oil level to have gone down if there was a real leak?

Also, if this is the known bolts prob, would that be excessive loss for an engine not cleaned for the last two years, lol :quiet:

 

[Fred@BTM]

na the level will never really be affected by a rocker leak, you're talking tiny amounts, like MAX 250ml over a lengthy period (its really not a major problem!)

take the plenum off, every bolt that has oil round it, remove, blob silicone down the holes and whack em back in (12nm)

done

 

[Cupster]

You sound like you have seen this a few times then, lol.

Thanks

 

[Fred@BTM]

its rare to see one that doesn't leak, its due to how they (the frenchies) assemble the engines at factory, they use a paint roller (yes, madness) to apply some shitty sealant as its quicker

 

[Cupster]

lol @ frenchies..... and lol @ their sealant applying techniques.

Thanks again.