What Is This Oil Leak?

[Tillsy]

Just noticed this ever so slight oil leak - photograph unfortunately doesn't really show it well, but it is on a bolt above (and has obviously been slowly leaking onto) the oil pressure sender and alongside the alternator. Anyone know where the devil that is that coming from?

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=14212&d=1350558327

[dmc]

The oil sender is leaking.

[DMCMW Dave]

The oil sender is leaking.

No, oil does nut run uphill. My guess is the valve cover gasket at the corner where the timing cover joins the block.

[Dangermouse]

No, oil does nut run uphill. M.

Unless he lives in Australia.

Which he does!!

Bazzinga


(sorry, need more coffee..................................:eek7:)

[Tillsy]

Closer picture...
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=14213&d=1350564690

[Tillsy]

Unless he lives in Australia.
LOL!!! :hihi2:

[dmc]

It won't run uphill. But 60 psi will squirt it up there..
Thats why it's called a "PRESSURE SWITCH"

[Spittybug]

It won't run uphill. But 60 psi will squirt it up there..
Thats why it's called a "PRESSURE SWITCH"


+1 for the Dave S. answer as opposed to the "carefully aimed squirt theory"

[Bitsyncmaster]

+1 for the Dave S. answer as opposed to the "carefully aimed squirt theory"

My car on both valve covers, have that one drop of oil in the corner. It was suggested to use the gray RTV for the best seal.

[DeLorean03]

If it is the valve cover on that side = not too bad. Just got to get the area clear, and thankfully, we don't have to disconnect plug wires or injectors to get to it :D. I did mine back in 2004 - WAY back in the way of my initial year of ownership.

If you do use RTV, put it on the outer-most-edge where the valve cover and the head meet. You definitely do not want that stuff going inside and around the valves...

I used paper gaskets and didn't use RTV, and I have no issues - so far.

[Ron]

+1 for the Dave S. answer as opposed to the "carefully aimed squirt theory"

Playing devil's advocate, I'd say if it is squirting, it has to land somewhere...

I don't see how it could run down from the valve cover and wind up on the insulator for the pressure switch.
Maybe drip there, so either could be correct -- or it has two leaks.

[Tillsy]

or it has two leaks.

I think you're on the money Ron - on closer inspection I think the pressure sender has a minor leak too. Mine is an original so might as well upgrade it as the gauge seems to read too high anyways.

The other (original) minor leak seems to be separate and unrelated...

[DMCMW Dave]

I think you're on the money Ron - on closer inspection I think the pressure sender has a minor leak too. Mine is an original ...

That is not an original pressure sender in the first few photos.

[Tillsy]

Some further troubleshooting...


Used a pumb to confirm the pressure sender and cable were directly inline below that original drip
Gave the area a complete wipe down - bolt, surrounding area, pressure sender, and associated cable
Waited 24 hours - not a drop
Took her out for a half hour run - not a drop
Waited a further 15 hours - not a drop


I guess this explains why it has only recently appeared - all 19 of my shakedowns were short stints around surrounding streets, but since being roadworthied and registered I have taken her on four multi-hour long drives - so it must occur once everything is at full temp.

Still tempted to replace the pressure sender though as I'm not confident about the gauge reading.

[Dangermouse]

Hot oil = thin oil.