Oil leak by water pump area

[solex3274]

My 88 924S has developed a significant oil leak. Oil can be seen around the oil filter water pump area and is running down to the sway bar and other suspension parts.

Before I start removing parts, does anyone have any possibilities in terms of the source of the leak?

[TibetanT]

First, check to make sure your oil filter is on tight.
Second, this area is where the oil cooler lives, so with that said...when was the last maintenance done?
When I do my 30K maintenance, I change out all the seals, gaskets, rollers, belts and water pump with new parts. One that most people miss is the oil cooler and its associated gasket kit, since it is very hard to remove and not much room in that area to work. (Unless of course, the engine is dropped and removed, then there is plenty of room.)

Might want to start the engine and observe the leak. It may also be leaking from the cam housing area and flowing downward which would point to a gasket needing replacement (cam housing), but this is just a guess.

Hope this helps.

[mikepellegrini]

My guess would be the cam tower gasket - or if it's more to the left, maybe the oil filter itself? There's really nothing else above there that could leak.

Cam tower gasket leaks are really common.

Clean the area in question off, then watch and see if you can spot the source.

[FransB85]

Also, check the aluminum crush washer of the oil pressure relief valve, mine was p*ssing like an old dog from there, someone before me was too stingy to buy a new one apparently

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by solex3274

My 88 924S has developed a significant oil leak. Oil can be seen around the oil filter water pump area and is running down to the sway bar and other suspension parts.

Before I start removing parts, does anyone have any possibilities in terms of the source of the leak?

Sure,

Since you did not identify the color...but said significant leak...

Check the hoses under the power steering reservoir.
Check that the clamps are tight.

Have you replaced the short hose from the PS reservoir to the pump with the upgraded hose and fitting?
If you replace the hose get a new PS reservoir--the reservoir has a filter that cannot be replaced.

GL
John

[solex3274]

Thanks very much for the advice. After additional examination, I can see motor oil on the headers, therefore it has to be a cam tower gasket.