Oil in V

[Davo1805NZ]

Wasn't expecting to see this so soon following engine rebuild - a damp oil patch in the rear corner of the V, beneath the coil, which appears to be tracking down from the head gasket. Car has only driven about 300kms since it's been back on the road, so I wasn't contemplating the heads requiring re-torquing yet(?) Is this something which could be ignored, while keeping an eye on it, or does it need to be dealt with to avoid any more serious consequences? Thanks for any advice - Dave.

Oil in V.jpg

[mole42]

A new head gasket needs re-torquing several times until it beds down. I've replaced mine twice (I do a lot of miles!) and both times re-torqued after the first run out, then again a couple of times after that.

[Goldstar]

Did you seal the half moons when you fitted them?

[Wheelz]

Since fitting a rebuilt water pump I had an oil leak from the pump. After investigation I found that the low O-ring was damaged and had allowed oil to pass the seal.
(library picture shows where it can leak out...)
water jump drain hole.png

[Davo1805NZ]

A new head gasket needs re-torquing several times until it beds down. I've replaced mine twice (I do a lot of miles!) and both times re-torqued after the first run out, then again a couple of times after that.

Thanks. When you re-torque them, do you slacken off then re-tighten to correct torque, or just re-torque without slackening?

The dampness appears to be confined to that right-hand rear corner; i.e. nothing further forward, having originated from the block/head junction. Head looks clean above this point.

[KOY 23]

Slacken each one individually a little and retorque.

[mole42]

Thanks. When you re-torque them, do you slacken off then re-tighten to correct torque, or just re-torque without slackening?

Accepted wisdom says slacken each by one flat then re-torque, one at a time according to the sequence in the ROM. Although I confess that on the first re-torque I just tighten with the torque wrench…..

[Tim Ward]

Wasn't expecting to see this so soon following engine rebuild - a damp oil patch in the rear corner of the V, beneath the coil, which appears to be tracking down from the head gasket. Car has only driven about 300kms since it's been back on the road, so I wasn't contemplating the heads requiring re-torquing yet(?) Is this something which could be ignored, while keeping an eye on it, or does it need to be dealt with to avoid any more serious consequences? Thanks for any advice - Dave.

Oil in V.jpg

Check the cam cover screws for tightness. Just nipped mine up after gasket change a couple of years ago. Tim

[Nigel W]

I had exactly the same problem after E J Wards rebuilt my engine a few years ago. In that case it was as 'Wheelz" has suggested, leaking from the oil seal at the water pump. They fixed it when it went back for the first oil change.

[flying farmer]

There’s an oil-way from the block to the head in the front corner just above the water pump. I once had a leak from here on one of my engines in the past.
Not on any of my current cars and can’t remember which one it was on