Leak Ideas

[arbita1]

Ever since I reinstalled my engine I seem to have a leak that got worse. I replaced all the items on the "triangle of death" while the engine was out. There was no sign they were leaking anyway.

The leak is dripping onto the drivers side heat exchanger. I initially thought it was the oil line that connects to the case. But after trying to locate the drip, it did not seem to be coming from there, but above that location. I looked at the two oil return tubes and don't see anything coming from there.

What else could be in that area? I'm thinking possibly the breather hose or gasket could be leaking and dripping down...but I replaced the gasket. Unless the hose disconnected. Or possibly camshaft tower or between the cylinders and case? Any guesses.

I also switch from Mobile 1 (15W-50) to Valvolien VR-1 Racing (20W-50). Could that be a possiblity?

[Peter Zimmermann]

Matt, changing oil type shouldn't matter. Are you absolutely sure the big oil line at the case is tight? I've seen engines where we had to loosen the line from the adapter, then re-tighten the adapter, then tighten the line. I'm guessing here, because a leak from the breather (if the hose is properly clamped it really can't come off), or the thermostat o-ring, or the oil pressure switch, usually drips on the right side and hits the three-into-one exhaust pipe connector.

[arbita1]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

Matt, changing oil type shouldn't matter. Are you absolutely sure the big oil line at the case is tight? I've seen engines where we had to loosen the line from the adapter, then re-tighten the adapter, then tighten the line. I'm guessing here, because a leak from the breather (if the hose is properly clamped it really can't come off), or the thermostat o-ring, or the oil pressure switch, usually drips on the right side and hits the three-into-one exhaust pipe connector.

No. I'm not 100% sure. And I've tried to get in there to tighten it up, but couldn't seem to get at it between the oil return line and the ssi blocking my way. The only thing that makes me think its not that is I could see the smoke coming off the ssi with every drip. I don't think it would drip onto the ssi from the oil fitting in the case, but rather directly to the floor.

I'm goiing to have to do a valve adjustment soon. So my plan was to pull the left ssi at that time and get a better look. I was just trying to get some ideas in the interim, as its a pretty significant leak.

[timmy2]

Camshaft cover to case seal, rocker shafts. One way to find it is to clean all oil off then when spotless run it and shake some blue chalk line dust on the engine. It will stick where the oil is. Trace it to the source from there.