On the subject of oil leaks

[PhilipA]

I have had an annoying oil leak on the LH of my engine for a long time now which seemed to get worse after I fitted a modified exhaust manifold.

I tried to see it's source with a mirror and light and a borescope camera without much luck and changed the filter in case it was coming from a loose filter.
I was sure it was not coming from the upper part of the engine as the highest wet point seemed to be the cover of the engine mount. Now we know why LR put a cover on them..
Anyway I bit the bullet and bought a new turbo drain ( $64 UK Vs $200 OZ) and fitted it yesterday. BTW my aircon hose has been rubbing on the drain I guess since new, but that was not the problem.
It looks like the leak is gone.Yay.
I filled the pipe with ATF and it didn't leak. How could that be so. Then I remembered that the pipe is subject to crankcase pressure.
I think the rubber coupling in the middle has given up.
Bit of a PITA of a job as to get good access I had to take out my second battery,engine cover , heat shield, blanket and the exhaust pipe which means removing both cross members.
I only needed an open end 24MM spanner to undo the block end and a ratchet spanner for the turbo end but be careful with the gasket on the turbo end as you cannot see anything and it can slip out of place.

Regards Philip A

[thai_tiger]

I have had an annoying oil leak on the LH of my engine for a long time now which seemed to get worse after I fitted a modified exhaust manifold.

I tried to see it's source with a mirror and light and a borescope camera without much luck and changed the filter in case it was coming from a loose filter.
I was sure it was not coming from the upper part of the engine as the highest wet point seemed to be the cover of the engine mount. Now we know why LR put a cover on them..
Anyway I bit the bullet and bought a new turbo drain ( $64 UK Vs $200 OZ) and fitted it yesterday. BTW my aircon hose has been rubbing on the drain I guess since new, but that was not the problem.
It looks like the leak is gone.Yay.
I filled the pipe with ATF and it didn't leak. How could that be so. Then I remembered that the pipe is subject to crankcase pressure.
I think the rubber coupling in the middle has given up.
Bit of a PITA of a job as to get good access I had to take out my second battery,engine cover , heat shield, blanket and the exhaust pipe which means removing both cross members.
I only needed an open end 24MM spanner to undo the block end and a ratchet spanner for the turbo end but be careful with the gasket on the turbo end as you cannot see anything and it can slip out of place.

Regards Philip A




Hi Philip,


How did you go with refitting your turbo blanket as I noted that once fitted they become brittle or is that after some extended time.


thx t_t

[PhilipA]

How did you go with refitting your turbo blanket as I noted that once fitted they become brittle or is that after some extended time.

Ha it was difficult but for a different reason. It is not in the slightest brittle.

The one I bought is held on by 3 hooks which are linked by 2 springs.

The single hook is placed under the turbo up near the oil filter while the two springs are hooked on either side at the top .
You have to have Japanese fingers to reach it , and when you get the rear hook attached the front one is diabolicbloodycal.
So I use green gardening wire which I loop around the front spring and feed up between the turbo scrolls.
I came up with an idea to stop the springs falling off the bottom hook as they do by cutting an electrical "busbar" terminal in half then screwing it onto the bottom hook so that the springs cannot fall off while being fitted.

Regards Philip A