Oil leak identity help cam tower to chain case

[Nditiz1]

I have a leak that is pretty good coming from the 4/5/6 side of the engine between the chain case and the cam tower. I have to assume this due to some seal that has failed or improperly installed. This engine was recently rebuilt and I went over most of it without breaking it down to the short block. I don't think this is a common area for it to leak. Is there any thing else between those that would cause a leak?

Video to leaks 1 and 2

https://youtu.be/lc42BphOKJs

[proporsche]

pictures will help us to help you

Ivan

[Nditiz1]

Ivan glad you saw this,

[mike sampsel]

I've not gotten the oil lines tight, 1,2,3 side is behind the dizzy. Leeks down like it might be something else. Easy to be sure the nut is on the line is tight.
I do not see any leak in your pictures?

[Nditiz1]

Bone dry around the oil line

[porsche930dude]

Mine leaked there once when I started it in the middle of winter. Absolutely pouring out. I took it for a short run anyway figuring it was going to be its last ride for a while but I go back no more leak and it never leaked again.

[Nditiz1]

Well thats promising. I haven't driven it yet.

[Flat6pac]

The ORing on the cam seal or the 3 bolt paper gasket on the cam seal could be off location.
If the O ring doesn’t seat completely you have a leak.
The paper gasket has gone off location on me a couple times over the years.
Bruce

[911pcars]

Since your engine was recently rebuilt, here's a potential leak source:

If the cam housing, cylinder head, cylinder "stack" (assembled parts) were modified (machined for wear, etc.), the camshaft may no longer be centered within the chain box. If this is the case, the chain box mounting surface-to-engine case can be machined to restore camshaft concentricity.

This is a last resort inspection as some parts have to be removed. Perform the easier-access parts inspections first.

Sherwood

[john walker's workshop]

Pics look dry. Show the leak.

[yelcab1]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Pics look dry. Show the leak.

Haa. It does look to be no problem.

[911pcars]

Phantom oil leaks? How can i sign up for some of those? ��

[Nditiz1]

Sorry I would need to take a video as it steadily drops off the corner of the lower valve cover. You can barely see it at the top of the spark plug wire. The only reason I can say it's coming from that crevice is because it's dry all around except when flowing down to the top of the spark plug and dripping. It's about a tablespoon of oil on a 20 minute run.

[john walker's workshop]

Take the wire off and run it. Should be able to see a leaky rocker shaft through the hole in the VC.
Cam thrust leaks usually drip off that bump on the bottom of the chain housing.

[proporsche]

this is the oil leak right?

[Nditiz1]

I'm going to pull off both valve covers to see if the rockers have shifted.

[john walker's workshop]

Surface them when they're off and use some normal gaskets that you can fully tighten the nuts on.

[Nditiz1]

Here is a video of the leak and a new one that might drip even faster

https://youtu.be/lc42BphOKJs

[proporsche]

it almost looks like you have loose heads on cyl no.3 on the no 4. possibly the pinched o ring on camshaft cover...you might have to take it partly apart

Ivan

[john walker's workshop]

Upper leaks on the left side are unusual. I've seen the breather gasket installed wrong and it leaked at the notch. I'd guess cam thrust is the other one. Gasket or o-ring damaged/out of place. Rocker shafts don't leak that vigorously, unless the shaft walked out.