Locating an oil leak

stormbind · 24th July 2011, 19:31

I have today seen oil puddle on the near side, and I estimate it was more or less below that big air box filter.

I've just bought an adjustable spanner to help me get a closer look and I've never delved below the battery before.. suggestions please?

No less than 3 professional mechanics have also failed to find the source of leaking oil. They find oil around the engine but say its not a leak and blame me for spilling it - infuriating!

stormbind · 24th July 2011, 20:37

Bellows being the large ribbed rubber? It seemed OK and dry all round. Tonight I can't find an oil dribble. Its a goose chase

Humn... is it possible to have an air lock in the oil systems?

It has been said there's a removable catch tray under the engine that would disrupt diagnosing a leak. Can someone please post a photo/diagram of that tray, because mine doesn't seem to have anything under the engine?

The only odd things I found was that its dirty inside the air intake (not oily) and the air filter is clean. The combination suggests poor maintenance history to me.

I always find signs that water has overflown from the coolant tank (stains on the bigger pipe) and the coolant level consistently drops below min

... which is a weird combination and reminds me, I need to find the member who sells the metal thermostat housing.. are they here?

24th July 2011, 19:31	#1
stormbind Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Guildford & Ipswich Posts: 178 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Locating an oil leak I have today seen oil puddle on the near side, and I estimate it was more or less below that big air box filter. I've just bought an adjustable spanner to help me get a closer look and I've never delved below the battery before.. suggestions please? No less than 3 professional mechanics have also failed to find the source of leaking oil. They find oil around the engine but say its not a leak and blame me for spilling it - infuriating! Last edited by stormbind; 24th July 2011 at 19:33..

24th July 2011, 20:37	#2
stormbind Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Guildford & Ipswich Posts: 178 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Bellows being the large ribbed rubber? It seemed OK and dry all round. Tonight I can't find an oil dribble. Its a goose chase Humn... is it possible to have an air lock in the oil systems? It has been said there's a removable catch tray under the engine that would disrupt diagnosing a leak. Can someone please post a photo/diagram of that tray, because mine doesn't seem to have anything under the engine? The only odd things I found was that its dirty inside the air intake (not oily) and the air filter is clean. The combination suggests poor maintenance history to me. I always find signs that water has overflown from the coolant tank (stains on the bigger pipe) and the coolant level consistently drops below min ... which is a weird combination and reminds me, I need to find the member who sells the metal thermostat housing.. are they here? Last edited by stormbind; 24th July 2011 at 20:53..