300Tdi Head Gasket Oil Leak

**87County** · 9th January 2014, 10:08 AM

Thanks for adding the photo, as I suggested, it does help.

I would think that it is leak-back diesel and some fuel line will replace that, if not, it could be as davrac suggests

Let's know how you get on.

**130camper** · 9th January 2014, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the comments.
Hadn't considered a small leak from a diesel return pipe, just assumed oil.
Another clean down and inspection at the weekend.

**Sitec** · 9th January 2014, 05:54 PM

Hi there.
First off, buy yourself a pressure pack aerosol of Brakeclean. Give the engine bay a good steam clean with the engine hot. This will help all the water evaporate quicker. Avoid the alternator, wiring, etc. Once dry, wash the area in question down with brakeclean (it evaporates quickly taking any oil/diesel with it). Having done this, run the engine and watch carefully and closely. A mag lite or head torch will be useful here too. Any diesel leaks will make themselves known fairly quickly, and if it is oil you'll 100% confirm if it is indeed the head weeping. Good luck!

**130camper** · 13th January 2014, 01:34 PM

Thanks everyone.
A clinical clean down at the weekend revealed the problem.
Tiny diesel leak from a return pipe above the number 3 glow plug.
At first didn't see it on the head, only on the black paint of the block where it was spreading out. Thus looking like the head gasket was the problem area.

New pipe put on all the return lines while I was at it. Problem solved.

Thanks again

**isuzurover** · 13th January 2014, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Well 130camper
If the oil is indeed coming from that location it is coming from the pushrod/rocker/roller gallery and can only exit there via the head gasket.

I wonder though, you say the picture shows a glossy oil slick - unless your engine oil is not black (unlikely) could the oil actually be dieso coming from the spill rail between 2&3 and dripping to your pointed location?

Dieso feels and looks oily but is obviously clear. Engine oil leaking from that location should really be black on a 300tdi.

If it is indeed coming from the pushrod gallery via the head gasket I would first be trying some good quality sealant externally after obviously cleaning the area well. There is no actual oil pressure in the pushrod galleries and you are only containing blow by pressure. I certainly wouldnt be cracking the HG to fix that sorta leak on any landy that graced my driveway!

If it is dieso from the spill rail then just buy enough fuel spill line from your friendly dieso specialist and replace all the spill lines.

Steve

x2. Especially the bold bits.

Thread: 300Tdi Head Gasket Oil Leak

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