OIL LEAK

[Speedster]

Also having issue with engine oild leak. Can anyone throw any idea as to where from. Cleaned engine down, replaced sump and cam cover gasket and all dry. As to spots under the car there are some scattered but feel it is where oil blows back and finds lowest points to drip. Not easy to see if seal leaking on pipe between head and block. Also what is expected oil usage on rebuilt engine having done 10k miles since full rebuild.
New owner to S4, love it to bits, want to find out more.
Thanks
ChrisElan

[garyeanderson]

Hi Chris

here are some topic to read
http://www.lotuselan.net/cgi-bin/search ... oom_sort=0

My Elan leaks too, I add oil. Other may disagree but twin cams are not modern leak free engines, the elan is a car that should be look at at least every week if you drive it regularly which is the best way to keep it running well. My Elan has been together for the last 16 years and gets out when I feel like it. THis is not the answer you were looking for but not a lot of info from you as too how to fix. The front cover where the back plate and block join would be a place to look as all three (block, back plate, and front water-pump cover) all have to be roughly in the same plane to seal properly.

Gary

[rodlittle]

Another good source of leaks if your engine has the rope seal crank is the rear crankshaft oil seal, drips under the front of the bell housing are a sign of that, mine drips there a fair bit, but as Gary says twinks leak, get used to it
rod

[Tonyw]

Guy's,

I have been meaning to ask if anyone has fitted a pcv valve thereby putting the innards under a slight vacuum which to my mind should reduce the incidence of oil leaks? or am I just dreaming?

Tonyw

[ardee_selby]

Guy's,

I have been meaning to ask if anyone has fitted a pcv valve thereby putting the innards under a slight vacuum which to my mind should reduce the incidence of oil leaks? or am I just dreaming?

Tonyw

I've mused about that on occasions...but wrt to regulating excessive oil mist that has found its way into airboxes....but a vacuum??

Just another thing to worry about: "A stuck closed PCV valve will cause excessive crankcase pressure resulting in leaks past oil seals and gaskets"

Ref: http://www.freeasestudyguides.com/pcv-system.html

Richard

[Tonyw]

Richard,

I have not experianced a stuck PCV valve but if it was stuck wouldn't it be just like the system we have now? I am assuming that the engine would need an inlet breather which would let blow by out if the PCV valve did get stuck.

Tonyw

[ardee_selby]

Richard,

I have not experianced a stuck PCV valve but if it was stuck wouldn't it be just like the system we have now? I am assuming that the engine would need an inlet breather which would let blow by out if the PCV valve did get stuck.

Tonyw

Hi Tony,

I had one gummed up & sticky on a 2L Pinto if not completely stuck. The engine leaked oil. How much was down to the PCV I don't know...

But this explains it better than I could hope to do...

http://www.burtonpower.com/tuning-guide ... ystem.html

Cheers - Richard