ClintUK

Not loosing much oil, but its getting to be spread around a bit underneath. Good to stop rust, but really thought I was over that when I graduated from Minis

Photo here shows front of the engine, but the oil does cover all the way round the sump, but it seems to be drier near the back. Its not coming from oil filter or sump plug - checked.



There are minor leaks from cam covers - can do those but the bulk of the oil is not coming from there either.

I have had to make a metal cover for the exhaust link pipe as otherwise it would get dripped on and smell

The arrow on the photo points to a rubber seal that is not mounted properly and I am thinking it may be the front crank seal that is causing the main leak.

Is this likely ? Or do you have any other ideas?

97UK Turbo 99 000 miles.

New Cam belt due in 5K so it'll probably have to wait until them if this is the problem - if it's likely to be something else then please point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

TimGreenuk

iTrader: (1)

I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM also a 97 uk also like info

ClintUK

Stay in touch Tim - I'll pass on whatever I find.
Clint

Scratch

iTrader: (1)

Have something similar on my MY99 Sti 5.

Due it's 90k service soon, so was going to get it looked at then being as all the front covers etc will be off for that.

RON

Front crank oil seal gets my vote..... best to get a new cambelt fitted at the same time.....if you're lucky, it'll be due a belt anyway...

ClintUK

Is there any benefit to change the oil pump when changing the cam belt / front crank oil seal ?

Do they wear by 100K or is this just throwing money away. - I'm not aware of low pressure problems but then I don't have a gauge.

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

Yes agree front crank seal usually last to about 100k.. best done with second cambelt change in advance..

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

oh and if you remove the cambelt cover you should be able to see.. possibly a cam seal also leaking but looking like the cam covers are leaking.. but the front leak def looks like crank seal.

ClintUK

Thanks Simon

I'll check if cam seals are leaking, I think that is pretty easy.

Will assume crank seal has gone and plan that with cam belt in a month or so.

Should the oil pump be changed as a matter of course at 100K, I understand the cam belt has to come off to do this, so seems like the best time to do it.

Thanks
Clint

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

my oil pump has done 176,500miles.. I consider that they either fail or go on and on..
altohugh I do monitor oil pressure.

tip which Tweenie Rob takes the credit for is to drill a small hole in the seal and then screw a blunted screw into it until it connects with the block and pulls the seal out..
cam seal can be done with just one screw but crank ideally one each side.

Simon

Patriot

Mine is leaking badly too, but mine is coming through the sump itself, must be corroded.
Anyone have an idea of price for another sump.
Martin

Jolly Green Monster

iTrader: (4)

more likely the seal between sump and engine block?

andy97

iTrader: (1)

£60 ish from the subaru dealer

Andy

Soobmeister

front engine oil seal is the most likely i'd say..

rexabusa

i HAD this problem also, and was getting told oil seals and all the rest(no disrespect) but it turned out to be a breather coming from crankcase.
it was joined by a small rubber pipe and it had let go. if anyone can tell me how to upload picts i could show in more detail.
the oil was running down back of cam covers and hitting exhaust and causing smoke and all sorts. also all over sump- filter- drivetrain.
disconected breather and problem solved
not realy a good idea cause i think fumes need sucked out and burned but confirmed problem for me

paulcornwall

Crank seal gets my vote, had mine prelaced when neil did the cambelt. Do you ever smell oil after taking her for a run i.e when leaving her wind down?