3.0-liter oil leaks

Jetjockey · 06:55 PM

I found some oil leaks and wondered if anyone could identify the seals and complexity of replacing them.

bottom right behind oil return tube is cylinder #3

next photo is left chain housing

3rd photo shows oil under distributor area

ecm911 · 02-20-2006, 12:36 PM

Jetjockey,

These are all in the same area- right? Are you asking which could be the leak? Or have you confirmed that they all leak?

1. Return tubes - easy repair. Crush old replace with new. ( the 2 piece type vs the oem one piece)

2. chain housing - I think you can get asses to this w/o pulling the engine, but not sure. If it is only cover leaking - the cover gasket can be replaced by removing the cover. I would replace the gasket and all of the hardware ( nuts washers on the cover)

3. distributor. - not too bad . Have to pull the distributor and replace with gasket on the bottom of the distributor. Just read on this this before you pull the distributor - but its not too bad.

If you have not confirm where it leaks, check the it is not behind the chain housings. Clean the area really good and check for the leak source. If it is the housing itself, its a little more complicated than the others.

Good luck

Earl

Jetjockey · 02-20-2006, 02:15 PM

I should have provided more details. Leak is in area of oil return tube but looks to be farther forward around cylinder #6 (front right,not #3 as I stated earlier in error). Could it be comming from oil cooler seals or something higher up like crankcase breather, oil cooler thermostat, or oil pressure switch? The oil return tube is certainly a bit grungy and I can't tell it it leaks or is just residual oil from somewhere else.

The second two photos show bottom and top of another leaking area around left chain housing. Does it look like distributor seal is leaking? Is timing chain cover gasket leaking? I know these are tough leaks to diagnose from a photo. I took them in a gas station at night after test drive. I did not know it leaked until getting home and viewing photos on larger monitor. I don't mind spending a lot of my time working in the garage but if these are going to turn into major projects such as engine drop or rebuild then I will continue looking for another car and not bother with a PPI.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

These are all wild guesses without getting satisfactory answers.
A thorough PPI will determine the condition of the engine and deal with more important stuff than oil leaks.
By guessing on what these leaks are, you are putting the cart before the horse. Let the PPI bring out all possible problems, including leak-issues.
A lot depends on mileage, overall condition, what maintenance history, bills, etc.
If you like the car, get a real PPI instead of guessing.
Good luck with the adventure.

stealthn · 02-20-2006, 07:23 PM

A 3 Litre leak, com'on I've never heard of that

You can also get a additive for oil that glows under ultra-voilet, put it in run the car and take all the guess work out of it.

My two cents (CDN)