Oil Leak

[1981 Shark]

Hello, I'm new to the Pelican Parts board and am posting here at a 911 buddy's suggestion. This is something I posted on Rennlist and I'm looking for additional input. Here we go:

I'm scratching my head over an oil leak. Not a slow drip, but a steady flow. Odd thing is that it seems to only do it in reverse. Of course, I usually go too fast to look for a trail behind me... The pictures show the flow that resulted while I was backing it up into the garage. I haven't had time to get it back up on the ramps to check it out further or get other/better pics.



I had it up on the ramps and changed the oil last weekend and checked everything I could see, but couldn't tell where the oil was coming from. It was leaking before I changed the oil. Some is getting on the manifold and creating some smoke which scared the $hit out of me at first.

It does not appear to be leaking from the pan, the filter or the drain plug. It does seem to be coming from the rear of the engine (facing the car) on the driver's side. The flow is like that of an oil pressure sender that is bad/loose (like an old Mustang I had), but that was not soaked or leaking when it was up on the ramps for the oil change. I'm looking for suggestions as to where it may be coming from and if anyone has had this happen.

A few folks suggest that it may be the rear cam cover seal. I have seals on the way and will attempt that, but may have to find the flow by process of elimination.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

David

[Rixter]

only in reverse is odd... you're sure it's oil?
if so check this diagram, could most likely be part 6-7, the gasket is prone to failure after so many years, changing the gasket takes 15-20 minutes if that

http://dcauto.gotdns.com/catalog/index.php?mode=parts&model=928&year=1978-1982&group=1&section=103&illo=103-05

you can also check the press sender, parts 60-61
http://dcauto.gotdns.com/catalog/index.php?mode=parts&model=928&year=1978-1982&group=1&section=104&illo=104-00

[1981 Shark]

Hi Rixter,

Yes, the reverse thing was puzzling and I'm positive it's oil. I guess it is just collecting somewhere and flows more easily when I'm going backwards. The oil pressure sender appeared to be OK, which was my first thought. What baffled me was the amount of oil leaking; I guess I didn't realize a blown gasket could be shot enough to produce that much flow.

I've got a gasket on the way, so hopefully that will do the trick, but are you saying the cover can go bad and need replacement, as well?

The 15-20 minute time frame is encouraging. Can you direct me to a write-up or is it pretty self-explanatory? An experienced wrencher, I'm not!

FWIW, I really like the way you guys have the diagrams with the part numbers and prices below. Great for future reference.

Thanks!

Regards,

David

[1980-928]

My 1980 also leaks about the same area, but not as much. The best advise I got was to clean that side of the motor, put it on stands, or ramps, idle it and watch were it leaks. I thought it was the oil sensor, but after cleaning and watching it I saw it dripping from between the block and the head. Im assuming the head gasket needs replacement? Any thoughts about my oil leak? It looks like its dripping from outside #5 cylinder on the wed or rib, that I think is an oil return channel.

[m21sniper]

It's probably the gasket that goes btw parts six and seven as Rixster indicated in his chart above. I had to change that gasket on mine last year.

[1981 Shark]

Hello guys.

I'm in the middle of replacing the rear cam cover cap gasket. Came out no problem and am getting ready to put back in (it is clean; not like this picture). There are two holes on the bottom of the cap, but only one bolt came out (3 total; two on top, 1 on bottom). Not being able to see, I didn't notice which side bottom bolt came out of. Which side does the bottom bolt go on? Does it matter? Ready to get this back in; it's a beautiful day. Thanks in advance!

Regards,

David