Oil Leak

Dave105 · Post by **Dave105** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 6:50 am

I've recently aquired an oil leak on my van. Its got a Type4 2L motor.
The oil leak is somwhere around the oil filter area. After been driving for a while oil starts dripping from bottom of filter. Took filter off and checked seal was ok. All looked right so stuck it back on. Same problem, so Ive cleaned all the oil from the area and am about to start it up for another check.
Anyone got any ideas where oil might be leaking from in this area? Cooler appears to be fine although not 100% sure of that yet.

Thanks, Dave

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:27 am

Have you checked the oil pressure sender or oil cooler?

Look down the hole in the tin at where the sender is to see if there is oil around the area.

Oil cooler is a bit tricky but can be seen from underneath.

Dave105 · Post by **Dave105** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:24 pm

Thanks for your reply.
Not checked the pressure switch but wiil do now. Yup I know looking at the cooliers a bit tricky, especially with the engine running, nice n warm.....

Dave

chitwnvw · Post by **chitwnvw** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 2:09 pm

What grade are you running? I hear you can mask some of the leaking by using thicker grade oil. Although I wouldn't go any heavier than 20-50.

Dave105 · Post by **Dave105** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 12:45 pm

Hi Guys, just been reading all these oil leak threads with interest, sounds like my leak is nowwhere on these poor guys scale, but still anoying no the less
The leak looks like it may be coming from the oil cooler seals. A couple of questions, can I change the seals without pulling the engine, or can I give the seal bolts a 'nip up' or could this over crush the seals and make it worse

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:07 pm

I think you will have to pull the engine to get those seals swapped out.

I know that I was able to do it in my vanagon by swiinging the engine down (while still attached to the tranny" and pulling the fan stuff off.

I think the clearance will not allow this with your bus.

Can you actually get something on the nuts?

Give a little snug if you can. all three.

Ritter · Post by **Ritter** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:07 pm

Swap of the oil cooler seals is reported to be possible with the engine in. Take a look:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... ooler+seal

There are others. One by "traveling writer" if I recall, but can't seem to locate.

Dave105 · Post by **Dave105** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:05 pm

Hi Guys,
Well the source of the leak was the oil cooler seals. managed to swap them out using the above, excellent, post. Only problem was I sheared an exhaust stud doing it! At least i now know how to Helicoil.
Thanks again for your help.

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:23 pm

Hats off to you sir.

two lessons with one issue. You came out ahead.

Ritter · Post by **Ritter** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:48 pm

Gypsie wrote:two lessons with one issue. You came out ahead.

Isn't it always the case!

chitwnvw · Post by **chitwnvw** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:35 pm

Ritter wrote:
Gypsie wrote:two lessons with one issue. You came out ahead.
Isn't it always the case!

I think I average 3-5 lessons per issue. Aren't I lucky?

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:43 am

Ritter wrote:
Isn't it always the case!

Sometimes you find out it's the case when you thought it was the injectors....

Gonna be here all week folks....try the veal...

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Oil Leak

Oil Leak