Big oil leak

[Jakegt]

Hi Guys,

I've got a massive oil leak coming from the drivers side of the engine. Definitely ruled out it's not the rocker gasket though.

It has had a full top end rebuild in the summer so all seals have been replaced.

I was starting to think the crank seal but oil seems to be dripping from above.

Any ideas please?

 

[Wild E. Coyote]

Maybe the blanking plug for timing the engine?

 

[Jakegt]

Had a closer look, it looks like its coming from around the power steering pump area. I've taken the rocker cover off and i'll leave it for a bit with some card board underneath to see if it's still leaking. If so I'll replace rocker cover gasket but I'm pretty sure it's not that.

 

[tractorboy]

When my son's did that it turned out to be the VCT pulley. When I replaced the inlet cam bearing cap at that end (after rebuilding the head) I used a bit too much sealant and it blocked the return oilway for the VCT mechanism. It did not leak at idle, only when the VCT activated. Took ages to locate it! Used UV dye in the end.

Bob

 

[Wild E. Coyote]

Could be the steering pump. I had mine leaking and had to replace it. Should be noticeable on the tank if it leaks that much

 

[Jakegt]

It's definitely engine oil. Here is a picture of my drive after it's rained :lol:

I've bit the bullet and fitted a new rocker cover gasket from Ford.. £40 Ouch. I've ran it up to temperature and doesn't seem to be leaking so far so hopefully it is this. I haven't used any sealant so it would be unlikely the VCT blocked but I'm not ruling it out.

 

[Jakegt]

Well bugger me, it was still leaking so I've had to take the cam cover off. Turns out it's leaking from the rocker gasket on the right hand side of the exhaust cam. Looks like I'll have to use sealant..

 

[tuonokid]

Hi Jake
Don't use sealant apart from the sharp corners (and just a smidge) behind the cam sprockets. Definitely use a genuine Ford rocker gasket, nearly forty quid but worth it.
Barry