Couple of leaks!

[stagmark]

Evening all!

I have a couple of leaks that I need to sort out before spring and hopefully get the new stag all up and running, and on the road (I haven't driven it yet!)...

One of them is easy - the water hose that connects to the metal pipe in front of the fan is leaking coolant. I have bought a replacement set of hoses (and stainless steel pipe whilst I was at it) and I am taking the opportunity, whilst it will be free of water, to replace all hoses. That should hopefully sort that one.

The next one is more difficult as I cannot see where the leak is coming from. There is a minor leak that comes from the back of the left hand cam cover and drips down on to the exhaust (which then smokes quite badly whilst idling!). I think it is an oil leak that may be coming from the cam cover gasket, or from the semi-circular end plug at the back of the head (I have a new gasket and replacement bung to put in, which I am hoping will sort this).

The problem I currently have is that I cannot be certain of where this leak is coming from. I have taken photos from various angles, video, and have a nice little mirror with led lights on to try and find an angle to find where it is coming from - but all to no avail.

The rear hose that has the two 90degree elbows, which goes to the heater matrix (I believe) is tight up to the rear of the cam cover hampering the view. In addition, it looks to me that this hose is not the right size and has started to melt/rub against the cam cover/head joint and I am wondering whether it could be coolant that is seeping out of this pipe down to the exhaust. There is also some crystallisation under this hose on the back of the head. It is not obvious to me what the fluid is - it feels a little oily and a little soapy! There is new fluid in the engine throughout.

Has anyone else had a similar leak and tell tale signs - am I right to suspect the cam cover gasket/semi circular end plug at the rear of the head. Also, is there anything I should check before I start taking apart to replace things and see if the leak disappears (or not!)?

Thanks
Mark

[stagmuffin]

hi mark ,the cam covers are notorious for being incontinent it may be worth your while buying new gaskets and rubber half moons which tend to go hard and let by. previous owners can also sometimes be a bit to heavy when tightening the covers down this distorts them and causes leaks ,easy to remove and repair . best to replace them (gaskets and rubbers ) if they are not new and then give the area a good clean also when that's done you can use talc sprinkled liberally to trace any further weeps .
Steve

[wilf]

Half moon rubbers and cam cover gaskets are the usual suspects. Changed them on mine, leak cured. (for now).

Also check the condition of the various crankcase breather hoses while you are in there. If the idle falters when you take the oil filler cap off, they should be in good condition, but still worth checking..

[stagmark]

Thanks - those are useful comments. At least it looks like I am not barking up the wrong tree!! I have new gaskets and half moons to replace, so will give that a go. I have heard of issues with over tightening the cam covers which can warp them, so will check that out whilst they are off as well.

[milothedog]

Thanks - those are useful comments. At least it looks like I am not barking up the wrong tree!! I have new gaskets and half moons to replace, so will give that a go. I have heard of issues with over tightening the cam covers which can warp them, so will check that out whilst they are off as well.

Its also worth putting some Hylomar or similar type sealant on the underside of the half moons.

Ian

[Mark Shutt]

just a thought but is it the right hand head not left hand head? just you mention the hose with two 90 degree elbows.. if that's the case then it could be the oil transfer housing or pump leaking that is very common.

[DJT]

The rear hose that has the two 90degree elbows, which goes to the heater matrix (I believe) is tight up to the rear of the cam cover hampering the view. In addition, it looks to me that this hose is not the right size and has started to melt/rub against the cam cover/head joint and I am wondering whether it could be coolant that is seeping out of this pipe down to the exhaust.

Mark,

What you are describing is the Right Hand head. If you look at the front of each head the letters LH and RH are cast into them. They are named as viewed from the driver's seat.

The cam cover gasket and 'D' plug are likely. There is also the oil transfer housing and oil pump just below the rear right side. These are sealed with o-rings which garden over time and leak. Also the oil pressure switch screws into the transfer housing; this can leak, but be careful as it is a tapered thread into an alloy casting.

The double bend heater hose is often supplied too long and needs to be cut down to avoid chafing as you describe.

[stagmark]

Thanks - it sounds like I am describing the RH head (I was saying left side looking from the front of the car!!).

I will take cam cover off etc and see if the oil o rings and switch look like they could be the culprits. It sounds like I may have to eliminate possibilities (starting with the easiest obviously!). Here's hoping it is just the gasket...

Cheers
Mark

[Mark Shutt]

neither are particularly difficult jobs but it's easier to drop the front pipe for access to the pump which may or may not prove a git depending on when it was last taken off!!