How bad is seeing some oil?
03-26-2008, 02:36 PM
#1
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How bad is seeing some oil?
How bad is it to see some oil at the bottom of the engine after I took off the engine cover?
The car has been started 1-2 times in the last few months due to salty-road winter in the NorthEast. I finally took the cover off as I was flushing the clutch slave cylinder. I noticed a little oil around the bottom of the crank case, as well as sort of a general dirty wetness (ok, in a different context that might be a good thing) on the driver side.
The engine tray wasn't wet, but wasn't clean either, esp on the driver side.
I know it is ok to "burn" oil, and my guess is some "seeping" is ok as long as not leaking, but not sure.
Can anyone shed some light?
The car has been started 1-2 times in the last few months due to salty-road winter in the NorthEast. I finally took the cover off as I was flushing the clutch slave cylinder. I noticed a little oil around the bottom of the crank case, as well as sort of a general dirty wetness (ok, in a different context that might be a good thing) on the driver side.
The engine tray wasn't wet, but wasn't clean either, esp on the driver side.
I know it is ok to "burn" oil, and my guess is some "seeping" is ok as long as not leaking, but not sure.
Can anyone shed some light?
03-26-2008, 03:07 PM
#3
Drifting
check valve covers and timing case covers, I think those are some of the most common leak points. I just did my drivers side valve cover. Pretty easy except for the stripped head on the bolt (nothing the rotary tool and cutoff wheel couldn't fix though 
)
)
03-26-2008, 05:11 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
It solely depends on where the oil is coming from. The fix can be $40 in parts for a DIY valve cover gasket replacement, or up to $3,500 engine reseal if it's coming from cylinder through-bolts.
But if your undertray wasn't wet, then it doesn't sound like you even have a leak. Leave it off and see what happens.
But if your undertray wasn't wet, then it doesn't sound like you even have a leak. Leave it off and see what happens.
03-26-2008, 05:52 PM
#7
RL Technical Advisor
Thanks for that info.
The most common oil leaks occur at the valve covers, timing chain covers, and case through-bolt O-rings.
The first two items can be fixed without engine removal, but that last one requires partial engine disassembly to deal with.
My advice would be to thoroughly clean the bottom of the engine so you can see precisely where any leaks, drips, seepage are coming from.
The most common oil leaks occur at the valve covers, timing chain covers, and case through-bolt O-rings.
The first two items can be fixed without engine removal, but that last one requires partial engine disassembly to deal with.
My advice would be to thoroughly clean the bottom of the engine so you can see precisely where any leaks, drips, seepage are coming from.
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03-26-2008, 06:09 PM
#8
Drifting
Steve,
Probably a dumb question but what is best to clean the bottom of the engine with? Is there anything that is safer than others under there or does it even make a difference?
Probably a dumb question but what is best to clean the bottom of the engine with? Is there anything that is safer than others under there or does it even make a difference?
03-26-2008, 06:54 PM
#9
RL Technical Advisor
We use a brake cleaner product followed by non-petroleum degreasers that will remove everything except the factory-applied cosmoline.
Wear protective neoprene gloves and plastic eyewear while doing this to keep all that off you.
Works like a charm.
Wear protective neoprene gloves and plastic eyewear while doing this to keep all that off you.
Works like a charm.
03-26-2008, 07:04 PM
#10
Drifting
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We use a brake cleaner product followed by non-petroleum degreasers that will remove everything except the factory-applied cosmoline.
Wear protective neoprene gloves and plastic eyewear while doing this to keep all that off you.
Works like a charm.
Wear protective neoprene gloves and plastic eyewear while doing this to keep all that off you.
Works like a charm.
03-27-2008, 06:40 AM
#11
, but is this really to be expected with 993's too?
03-27-2008, 12:29 PM
#12
RL Technical Advisor
Its a heat-related issue and given how old all of these cars (993-964) cars are, we are seeing a lot more seepage from those O-rings. They become hard and dry, and then crack.
Whenever we have an engine down for valve service and guide replacement, we always check that area for oil leakage and if needed, remove the P/C's and replace those O-rings to fix ALL of the oil leaks.
