Oldtee

My 85S is leaking around the oil pump. Not enough to ground the car but enough to leave an occasional spot with enough consistancy to cause maritial disharmony. What usually leaks on these things? Car has 60K miles. Thanks.

FlyingDog

There is a seal around the shaft and a seal around the oil pump itself. After I had removed, cleaned and reinstalled mine, it was recommended to me that the seal around the pump always be replaced when removing the pump. With the timing covers off pulling the pump is very easy and the seal isn't expensive.

GlenL

I think the seal is a more likely culprit. The O-ring around the body isn't touching any moving componenets.

Replacing the seal is easy compared to the O-ring as that rear cover can stay on along with the flywheel.

I suggest checking carefully for the source. If not clear then replace that seal arounf the oil pump shaft. Note that the seal goes in until flush with the tip of the neck. There is no lip catching it on the inside.

Prionace Glauca

Oldtree,
Don't forget the 3 oring's behind the oil pump mounting bolts.

lorenolson888

You say wet... but you are talking about oil right???

Really if you are going to fix the oil pump you may as well replace everything.

To remove the main oil pump shaft seal you are pretty much taking the timing belt off and the gear on the front of the pump... so the main o-ring and small rings are right there..

and you may as well do the WYAIT of the timing belt system...

Have you dont this.... on an 85 it is a good idea of course...

Go ahead bite the bullet and replace everything that needs it...

How can you tell it is the oil pump... do you have the timing covers off...

Probably not a good idea to drive with any leak under those covers...



LO

Oldtee

Thanks this advice gives me the hint I needed. I think I am going to clean the area and then put in some oil leak detector, go drive some and then hit it with a uv light. That ought to tell me exactly where the leak is. From looking at PET fixing it could get very involved very quickly and the lead on the bolts was a good one. Also, it looks like there is a plug and a pressure switch (sender) in the area and if there was plastic in the switch, could crack and perhaps leak.
ARF

lorenolson888

Hi Oldtee,

Go buy a squirt bottle from orchard supply (high volume heavy duty 3 bucks)... and fill it with soapy water and then you can spray it all off and use a tooth brush to clean the suspected areas. Smells a lot better in your garage than degreaser... SImple green works well too...

Then your leak should be easier to find... but a leak around the oil pump is pretty much under the center timing cover... it could be the crankshaft main seal the or more likely the pan gasket...

My pan gasket was leaking and the oil had wicked up the side of the engine... so it looked like the entire engine was black.... after much celaning I figure out wher it was all coming from....

If you pan gasket area is totally clean then OK ...but if it to is black... then I would suspect this also...

May as well get acquated with the naked front of you girl...you will sleep a little better...

LO

lorenolson888

My car is a red 86... so your car is a better kept older cousin of mine....

is yours an auto or 5spd...

LO

Oldtee

Auto. Does not seem to be leaking from the chain cover.