how do i fix an oil leak from oil pressure switch?

[justinbaldwin]

good evening all,

my 82sc has developed an oil leak that has grounded my car. the leak is coming from high up inside the engine above the clutch housing. it is leaking down the right hand side of hte housing and dripping onto the small transverse exhaust pipe directly under the engine and making so much smoke my car looks like it's on fire! the time has come to sort this out.

i'm not sure what's causing the leak but judging by a search on the forum the main suspect seems to be the oil pressure switch.

so how do i fix it. i have consulted my 101 but it is actually vague about it. so here are my questions:

(my car has CIS injection)

1. do i have to remove the engine?
2. or can i get at it by removing the air box and fuel injection system from above?
3. which is easier?

any thoughts very welcome.

regards

justin

[CarreraS2]

You can get to it by just removing the black rubber CIS boot (the large black rubber piece that sits on the very top of the engine).

Then, using a flashlight and a mirror, you can see the switch. You can visually confirm if it is leaking or not.

To get it out, just reach back and unplug the wire. Use a large deep socket (I think its 22mm or so), and a wobbly extension, and get it out.

To get the new one in, I lightly tape the new switch into the socket, then carefully get it in place.

Once you've done it once, you can do it just by feel in 5 minutes, without the mirror and flashlight.

Whatever you do, DON'T drop the engine or remove the airbox or injection system to get this easy task done!

[justinbaldwin]

Socal,

thanks so much, i have been dreading bed news, but this sounds good.

i'm going go now and have a fiddle.

will let you know how i get on, when i have some news

cheers

justin

ps. just bought a new house, because......it has a double garage, which means i can go and fiddle late at night if the desire takes me!

[William Miller]

Another option is to drop just the rear of the engine. With the 2 rear bolts out you can lower about 3-4" you need to do it over top of the Air boot. Maybe a little more room.
If you drop it that far you can also see it from the front by looking from underneith near the starter. It can be removed that way (From below) as well.

Sure it's not the thermostat or the air breather hose. They all could cause oil to drip in that spot.

[scottb]

Originally posted by justinbaldwin
i can go and fiddle late at night if the desire takes me!

Uh, you DO mean fiddle with your car, don't you?

[justinbaldwin]

that's what i call mine!

[justinbaldwin]

uh, not totally sure what it is, but certainly by looking in a mirror i can see the oil pressure switch is covered in fresh oil, i'll give the whole area a good clean change the switch and see what happens.

regards

justin

[don gilbert]

K this post is about 6 years old, I hope he got it fixed by now

[James Brown]

Don't ya just hate that!

[theiceman]

Knowing where that switch is I woudn't be surprised if he is still at it

[James Brown]

I have 3 on my desk now. Finally put a plug in, no leaks now!!