Fastrax203

I've suddenly spurted a bit of an oil leak. I noticed a couple days ago once I shut down my car it would leave about a quarter size puddle overnight draining down the oil pan or the down pipe. The down pipe is quite wet. Oil looks brand new (oil's been in there for a little over a month Valvoline SynPower 20w50 w/ Rislone ZDDP additive).

I tried to chase the leak upward but I couldn't see exactly where it's coming from. It looks like it could be coming from the pan. Most of it looks to be coming from where the dip stick tube enters the pan. The plastic gasket for the tube...should it be flush with the pan? Mine looks to be sitting out of the pan a few mm. I'll try to take a picture of it.

Another thing I noticed is that the passenger side rocker skirt has some oil droplets on it and the driver's side doesn't. I'm guessing it leaks most when the system is pressurized and it's blowing it around. I'm gonna spray it down with brake cleaner and try to pinpoint it tomorrow.

Any suggestions? I remember the AOS were replaced a year ago on the car although there is a bit of oil in the intake tract (pre-turbo) it's not pooling so I'm not too worried about it.

Van

Cam box end cap?

pettybird

that IS the usual suspect for a reason...

dirtyTurbo

Cam box is on the other side no?

My car did the same thing. It could be where the oil drains out of the bottom of the turbo. There are two bolts squeezing an o-ring against the turbo, you can try snugging them up but be careful I almost broke a bolt in there, that would have sucked!

Fastrax203

The turbo is dry as can be. It looks to be coming from the rear of the engine..or...the middle somewhere. I didn't get a chance to clean it yet. I just got home. Gonna rest a bit and then jack it up and clean it out to see where it's coming from exactly...I'll snap some pics.

slap929

Could be your cam tower seal. Look towards the back of your engine on the passenger side past the exhaust. There is a number plate there, see if oil has collected there. This is a good sign that is either the cam tower seal or the rear cam seal(much easier to do). Hopefully its one of these two, as going to lower seals are not fun to do.

blown 944

Balance shaft rear o-ring. I'd almost bet on it. I have cleaned them up very well with brake cleaner and used permatex on a few cars and still no leaks for years.

You won't see it when it is idling only after moving. I'd clean and inspect to verify.

Scott H

Echoing Sid, check the rear of your balance shafts covers (easier said than done on the driver side) for oil.

Fastrax203

Will do. It's definitely on the driver side of the car. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

minho78

Just did this on mine. OP put you hands in between the oil fill neck and the Intake manifold and check if the cap moves arround. Mine moved a lot and there was a lot of oil coming out of it.

Fastrax203

So how to fix? Just glob some RTV in there?

blown 944

Make sure you spray it down really well with brake parts cleaner. Then spin the end cap wipe down and respray. Once it is spotless you can use you finger to spread some around the edge of the cap. I wouldn't twist it just in case there may be some cleaner still in there. Once you feel you have got some on the mating crack then I'd be liberal with coating the whole end of the housing. I have used a putty knife as well but either way works.

It is a good temporary fix until you get in there sometime later to change the oring. I have one car still going thus way for a couple years.

Fastrax203

Looks like that will be my weekend project (unless the baby decides it wants to be born). Thanks for the advice!

Fastrax203

Can I get a picture or two of where the cap is located?