Help with Oil Leak....

[CMB82]

Hi, I was wondering if any of you folks could help me with a small but persistant oil leak on my 75. The road outside my house it pitted with little 50p sized brown stains! It is a very slow leak probably only a few drips per day.

Basically, its coming out of the bottom of the engine on the front on the timing belt side, I know this because when I look under the car I can see the drips forming near a bolt. But with me being a novice when it comes to engines I was hoping you could tell me what the part is it is leaking from and what the cause might be and is it an easy job to fix?

Many thanks for any help and oh I have a 2001 75 1.8.

[MangoMan]

I'm not too familiar with the engine you mention, but it could well be the Crankshaft Oil Seal.

[CMB82]

I'm not too familiar with the engine you mention, but it could well be the Crankshaft Oil Seal.

Thanks for the help; is this an expensive fix?

[MangoMan]

You would have to positively identify where the leak is coming from first really as it could be running down from the Cam Cover Gasket. (cheaper fix) Best thing to do is give it a good degreasing and then check to see where it is emanating from.

Might be easier to just live with it...... (And cheaper ;) )

[sraddave]

Thanks for the help; is this an expensive fix?

It could well be the crankshaft oil seal, not a bad job really, make sure you fit a new timing belt kit and I'd also consider a water pump at the same time.

[CMB82]

You would have to positively identify where the leak is coming from first really as it could be running down from the Cam Cover Gasket. (cheaper fix) Best thing to do is give it a good degreasing and then check to see where it is emanating from.

Might be easier to just live with it...... (And cheaper ;) )

Sorry, I forgot to add that a mechanic friend of mine who had the car up on ramps to trace a coolant leak a few months back took a quick glance at it and said it was probably the crankshaft sensor and not to worry about it too much, so what you're telling me seems to tally up with what he said.

Is it wise to just live with it? It will surely get worse wont it? Would hate it to turn into a massive leak.

[RoverChris]

I have had something similar with mine and it was the crankshaft oil seals. Supposedly they have a tendancy to flip themselves or perish. Mine was repaired last year and have started leaking again which is annoying.

Not sure whether its faulty seals or the chap who 'fixed' it didnt do a very good job. Will be doing it myself this time.

[MangoMan]

I would tend to take your Mechanic friends' advice - just keep and eye on it - just give it a good wipe prior to taking it for your MOT though....;)

[CMB82]

Many thanks for the help and advice fella's could any of you point me in the right direction as to the correct crankshaft oil seal I would need to purchase?

[MangoMan]

I believe it is this one.... http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-LQX100040SLP

[CMB82]

I believe it is this one.... http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-LQX100040SLP


Many thanks for all your help although I am probably looking at paying less than that! Yes I am a tight get! :}

This one should do the same job shouldnt it?

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-LQX100040SLPP

[MangoMan]

They do a non original seal aswell http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-LQX100040SLPP