300tdi oil leak

[mike_ie]

Hi all,

I've noticed this past while a small oil leak on the left hand side of my defender's engine (300tdi), around the manifold area behind the alternator. While it's not losing oil in any quantities worth worrying about, it's still a nagging problem that I'd like rid of. All I've done so far is hose it off to try and find the source, but I can't narrow it down, and it starts returning a few days later. The Rocker Cover Gasket was replaced last january by the previous owner due to an oil leak, if that info helps any.

Any suggestions as to what it could be would be helpful, as I'd like to take a look at it over the Christmas holidays, and (hopefully) repair it.

[justinc]

More than likely a split inlet manifold gasket. the circulating oil mist ends up being forced out down the side of the head and block. I would also put a decent hose clamp on the top intercooler hose and/ or silicon hoses, as the oil will ruin them eventually.

A provent will stop all that oil circulating around the intake system, search 'provent' on here.

JC

[mike_ie]

I have to say, if there's one thing I love about this forum, it's the speed of the replies :) How difficult a repair job is it - do I need any specialised tools for the job or is it something I can do in an afternoon in the back shed? :)

[justinc]

'Tis an easy job. Yes you can do it yourself. First things first, buy a CD entitled RAVE from Daves interesting things shop here on AULRO. Click on the word 'shop' in the bar at the top of the page.

Takes about an hour, to hour and a half.

In a nutshell; Intercooler hose and Inlet manifold off, turbo oil feed line undone, dipstick tube bolt undone,(In order to reach front manifold nuts) then remove manifold nuts. Pull exhaust manifold and turbo assembly away from head enough to slide gasket bits out, then fit new gasket and reverse procedure. Make sure the battery is disconnected, as I have seen a nice little circuit formed between the starter positive terminal and the wastegate housing and then to earth through the turbo to block drain braided line:eek:

JC

[mike_ie]

Much appreciated. Looks like I have something to keep me busy over the christmas.