Engine Oil Leak

[Bob Hinton]

Having recently successfully replaced timing chains and tensioners, I have a small oil leak on the LH block (just a couple of drops on the garage floor but annoying. I've checked the sump gasket but it is above that level and the camcovers and 1/2 moons are all well sealed. Could it be the head gasket as it seems to be coming from that level on the engine?

[Lemp1953]

Hi Bob. Possibly headgasket but I have always had the philosophy that always look to what you did last. I've had a few issues with oil coming from the rocker boxes. It's such a gentle leak. After new gaskets it was fine then leaked again,so, checked the the covers and they were both slightly curved, not surprising as the retaining screws should be at the end and not 3 inches in. So two new gaskets later and some silcone sealer it stopped it. Just nip them up after a drive out as they soften. Just a suggestion.
Mike

[wilf]

Could be Bob - the head gasket has a hard time of it when the timing cover is replaced. A smear of PU sealant might stop it.

[jbuckl]

Use copious amounts of brake & parts cleaner.
Dust the suspected area with talc.
watch for fresh seepage.

Bear in mind that the front cover has 6 ‘tee joints’
These are notorious for leaks…. 6 gaskets!
Recently had success relying on the sump & head gaskets only.
Just used elring dirko on the the front cover… no leaks, no gaskets…. Well, 3, just sump & head gaskets.

[singapore stag]

The incontinent Stag strikes again!

[DJT]

I rebuilt the engine earlier this year due to incontinence. After about 1200 miles I was disappointed to find oil drips under the bell housing. Removed the RH cam cover and replaced the fairly new gasket with another new one. This time I fixed it to the cover using RTV then fixed it to the head using Wellseal. Leak now fixed.

[richardthestag]

Hold the front page editor

1970s car leaks oil every now and then