Blowing engine oil smoke from fan housing
 

Hi all,
Long time since I needed to ask a question although I wish to confirm my theory of a current small problem. I had a rebuild back in 1999 and the car runs fine except for some oil leaks which is from the base of 2 of the cylinder barrel O-Rings. Eventually these seals need replacing but why pull out a perfect engine right now to replace with a low cost part. The engine only leaks on short urban drives, anything over 3 hours at highway sppeds and nothing leaks at all until I'm back in town. I spray degreaser on the underside and hose off any excess oil now & again so oil can't smoke on the manifolds although I have started to notice a little smoke rising from the fan housing for a few minutes after I switch off the car at my office after a 20 minute drive. Is this harmful or another problem as I can only assume right now that its the oil leaking from the base of the cylinders. Can I spay engine degreaser then water into the fan housing and would this harm anything inside to clean off the oil ?
Cheers, Mark

The leak coming from the base seal is most likely at the top of the engine. I have seen a few that always seem to go there and not at the bottom. If left alone the worst it normally does is make a real mess under the plastic duct and bake onto the crankcase. Please remember though the alternator is in there and though sealed I would not want to put money on it not getting in there.