oil leaking from dipstick tube

[Enzo Molinari]

I have a strange problem with my Clio Mk2 Ph1 172. Oil is coming out from where the oil dipstick tube is connected to the engine block. When I pop the hood the front side of the block and also the electric fan is sprayed with oil.
This problem only occurs when driving, I can not make it happen when standing still with the hood open. Im guessing this is because the oil sits still in the oil pan when the car isnt moving.
Shouldnt there be an o-ring or something similar on the tube to prevent this problem? How do I get the tube out to check the seal, without removing the engine from the car?

 

[Feates172]

How long has it done this for?

You/anyone removed or replaced the dipstick?

My first thoughts are either too much oil, or it's a crank case breather issue. Causing a pressure build up

 

[Enzo Molinari]

Its been doing this for the last 1200 km. Dipstick has not been replaced or removed. Oil level is normal to low.

I agree it feels like a crank case breather issue but the breather is totally clean and even if I run the engine with the oil cap removed I still have the same problem. I also did a compression test to make sure there is no abnormal compression leaks. All cylinders at 13 bars, looks very good!
It seems to me that something has happened with the dipstick tube seal.

So, how do I remove the tube without removing the engine from the car?

 

[Chip-mk1]

They crack at the bottom, and to replace it isnt trivial as when you try and remove it, the bit in the block will stay and the rest will pull out as the crack brakes more, then to get the bit in the block out you will need to take the sump off and drift it out upwards realistically.

Absolute pig of a job IME!

 

[Enzo Molinari]

That sounds like a reasonable explanation for my problem.

How do I remove the sump with the engine still in the car? There isnt enough space between the engine block and the subframe to get the sump out.

Im thinking maybe I can try to knock the tube out upwards with a sliding hammer and if the tube breaks completely wouldnt it be possible to knock the broken tube bit down into the sump and then get it out via the oil plug?

Anyone who has experience from this job?

 

[Chip-mk1]

That sounds like a reasonable explanation for my problem.

How do I remove the sump with the engine still in the car? There isnt enough space between the engine block and the subframe to get the sump out.

Yes there is, I have had the sumps off plenty of 172s, just lift the engine up off its mounts a bit.

Im thinking maybe I can try to knock the tube out upwards with a sliding hammer and if the tube breaks completely wouldnt it be possible to knock the broken tube bit down into the sump and then get it out via the oil plug?

Why would you want to smash a rotting piece of steel down into your sump in the hope you might be able to fetch the bigger bits out via the oil drain and then the rest risks going round your engine?
Asking for trouble IMHO

Anyone who has experience from this job?

Me, and Ive told you how to do it :S

 

[Enzo Molinari]

Ok, so I lift the engine a bit off its mounts and then the sump comes off? Sounds great!! Do I have to remove exhaust pipes or anything?

 

[DTM Cars Ltd]

I use the engine crane to lift the engine up as high as it will go and it comes off.

 

[Chip-mk1]

No you dont have to remove the exhaust as on the 172 it is all behind the engine, so its not like say an Astra GTE where the manifold wraps under the sump.

Be VERY careful undoing the torx bits on the sump, make sure you are on them very squarely and with a good quality bit, as they are very easy to round off now they are a dozen years old as renault but a very small head on them (E8 IIRC) for some stupid reason.

 

[Chip-mk1]

I use the engine crane to lift the engine up as high as it will go and it comes off.

Yes a crane is one option, or an engine lift that sits on the wings is even better as then you arent lieing on top of the legs of a crane as you do the work.