Doug_B_928

I've noticed that I have a (new) leak (see attached) in my 79 5 speed. As shown, it is leaking from the inspection hole even though the rubber cap is in place. There is also a tiny hole on the left side from where it also appears to be leaking, as shown by the drip hanging from the left side. I had the clutch slave cylinder off and on several times when doing the TB job last fall, so I'm guessing that could have something to do with it. Any ideas what's going on here?

Doug_B_928

Thoughts?

Schocki

Color and odor of the fluid?

Doug_B_928

No noticable odor. Colour is like a thin brown oil around the rubber cap, and the leak on the left actually looks more like the orange coolant, but that can't be.

Schocki

Could be brake fluid from a leaking clutch slave cylinder.

WallyP

Check for fluid under the intake manifold. Fluid leaking on top of the engine can collect in the top of the Vee, run to the rear, then down thru a hole into the bell housing, then out where you see it.

NoVector

My 84 used to have a little engine oil in there--running down from the rear main (I think). Not for sure on a 79, but on my 84 and 93, that cover has foam around the front edge so I could see how fluid would pool in there. Super easy to take the cover off (again, not sure on a 79) and have a look. I think 6 bolts total--BUT, the rear 2 can suck to get out.

FWIW, if/when you replace that cover, use shorter bolts on the rear--some people don't even put the rear 2 back in.

Benton

I'm guessing brake/clutch fluid from the color and translucency. Pull the plug and dab a clean paper towel up there, then report back with the color and consistency. If it is not very viscous, it's probably brake fluid. The color around the rubber plug may show that it has accumulated dirt and grime from the lower bellhousing before seeping out.

Doug_B_928

All of these options could be in this case.......:
1. If clutch slave, is it just that rubber thingie on the rod that is not sealing, and so that needs replacement, or is it the whole slave?
2. No fluid under the intake, but, when I did the TB job last fall I had a coolant leak at the heater return which filled up the V. I suppose the fluid drops coming out the tiny hole on the left could be residual coolant from that.
3. Rear main has never been changed. I don't have any other signs of a leak from there though, but not sure how to inspect it.
4. I'll do the paper towel test and report back.

Thank you!!

DonT

Doug - check this part located passenger side rear head near heater control valve. The old piece leaks around the tube insert.
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Link ~ https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...eakage-or.html
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Doug_B_928

First pic is of what leaked out into the drip tray from hole with the plug since my drive yesterday afternoon. Second pic is the paper towel after being inserted into the hole (just dirty in there, not much oil). Third pic is what leaked into the drip tray from the smaller hole.

Don, I'll check that part and report back.

NoVector

Here's the 1st picture lightened up. Think you can rule out engine oil. Looks like brake/clutch fluid the way it's pooling and the color, but hard to say...

Doug_B_928

What a difference that made; great idea. I love this forum!