Thread: Oil leak TD5 Defender

Rocker cover gasket. Check the pcv before you change it because if it's blocked you will just blow oil vapour through the seals, which might be the cause here and a simple pcv change or clean might help the situation.

Originally Posted by JoeFriend

Rocker cover gasket. Check the pcv before you change it because if it's blocked you will just blow oil vapour through the seals, which might be the cause here and a simple pcv change or clean might help the situation.

Thanks Joe, will have a look tomorrow and update.

Alright, so turns out it was a rocker cover gasket leak. Already have the replacement ready to go. Will be replacing it soon.

*When doing the cam cover gasket, make sure the half moon at the back is spotless clean and free from any sealant. Don't use sealant on the half moon.
*Ensure the rest of the sealing face on head is clean also.
*Seal goes on dry, no sealant and torque it down, 14Nm I THINK from memory.

*I'd recommend changing the injector harness while you are at it.
*Injector harness, plug end, prize off the cap on the end of the plug (where all the wires go in) put some automotive grade sealant in there, press the cap back on.
*Injector harness, also where the 2 o-rings are, put a bead of same sealant around them, dont be shy. (while technically sealant should not be put on o-rings as it stops them from doing their job, but it will leak otherwise).

*Might as well change the big o-ring on the front, the round plastic cover in line with the cam, as its prolly never been changed and is likely to be full of sealant.
*Clean it, Don't use sealant on this o-ring, just o-ring lube to aid installing it.

And while you've got things in bits it's probably worth getting the ECU out and giving the connectors a good clean and de-oil. With a new injector harness and clean ECU plugs that department shouldn't give you any grief for a while.

Originally Posted by DazzaTD5

*When doing the cam cover gasket, make sure the half moon at the back is spotless clean and free from any sealant. Don't use sealant on the half moon.
*Ensure the rest of the sealing face on head is clean also.
*Seal goes on dry, no sealant and torque it down, 14Nm I THINK from memory.

*I'd recommend changing the injector harness while you are at it.
*Injector harness, plug end, prize off the cap on the end of the plug (where all the wires go in) put some automotive grade sealant in there, press the cap back on.
*Injector harness, also where the 2 o-rings are, put a bead of same sealant around them, dont be shy. (while technically sealant should not be put on o-rings as it stops them from doing their job, but it will leak otherwise).

*Might as well change the big o-ring on the front, the round plastic cover in line with the cam, as its prolly never been changed and is likely to be full of sealant.
*Clean it, Don't use sealant on this o-ring, just o-ring lube to aid installing it.

Wow, thanks for the detailed advice, guys. Unfortunately I wasn't diligent enough to see your posts before I replaced the gasket.
Dazza, I did actually put some sealant near the half-moon. I watched a video where he put some sealant on the base of the half-moon on either side because it was leaking from those spots. Mine was too, pretty much from that entire side.
Here's the link to the video: YouTube

I followed that pretty closely, replacing the washers as well. Unfortunately I don't have a torque wrench or any way to measure how tight I've tightened the bolts. Any suggestions here?

Also, a follow up question that a friend and I were wondering: how soon is it okay to start the engine after replacing the gasket? Our reasoning was that we wait 24 hours just for the sealant to finish it's work.

Mine is leaking at the back of the rocker cover also. The independent Land Rover mechanic I go to, has also recommended the dab of silicone on the back of the half round portion at each side at the base. He says it is also in the service manual to do so.

I will be adding to my next rocker cover replacement.

Ken