NEEDING HELP PLEASE

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DrumBum

New member
Joined
Jan 16, 2020
Messages
6
Hello. I have a Puma Thunder which to my relief has just passed it's MOT. An advisory is a leak from the sump area, however my garage tells me they are unable to source a new 'sump pan and gasket' and that I should look for a secondhand one. No oil on my driveway so maybe a slight leak??? I have had this old girl for 18 years and I would be gutted to lose it because of this - can anyone give me some advice please? I am an old girl myself so please not too technical.
 
You could try contacting [ref]Ian G[/ref] on here, he is one of the best sources of second hand spares.

If it's just a leak then it may just need draining, unbolting, re-sealing and re-fitting. According to ->this post<- and some others, a gasket wasn't used there originally, only sealant.

Maybe your garage didn't want to do it?

P.s. welcome to the site!
 
Thanks for that Red. I will try and find Ian G.

It had a full service prior to MOT. I have seen on here that a gasket wasn't used - garage tells me that because it is a Thunder it is 'special' - the only thing special was the bill they gave me!!

I really appreciate you taking the trouble to answer me - cheers.
 
No worries. The Thunder was no different to any other 1.7 engine wise, even the modified Racing Puma 1.7 would have the same sump configuration I'd expect.
 
Hmm the information from the garage isn’t particularly reassuring (a gasket was never used it’s was just silicone sealant), not sure why you would automatically need a sump. I would do as Red said drain oil and remove and refit sump also worth checking the oil drain plug is sealing correctly. Where about are you maybe someone could point you in the direction of a Puma specialist to look at it for you.
Also I have seen the sump on eBay quite frequently should one be needed, actually I am sure I have one, let me know if needed
 
The only point of leak, apart from a failing sealant, would be a crosthreaded oil plug. I have seen them torqued by a gun what is a very short way to disaster. Also, many people avoid replacing them out of ignornce/ being tight on money and they just get torqued up. Since the sump is aluminum, it is very easy to pull the thread all the way out.
Given the age of the car, I would start looking into the direction of crankshaft seal, as that would be my first point of suspicion for an oil leak. Also possible: A/C compressor can start leaking oil as the big O-ring fails out of oldness and the oil will bu pulled by air towards and onto the sump. That oil is shiney green.
I had also the power steering line rotten at the very A/C compressor fixating and that was also leaking oil...
But, a decent garage should be able to pinpoint the leak point exactly
 
Thank you both for responding to me.

All I can tell you is that this oil leak appeared as an advisory on my MOT cert. I have always looked after the car since it was brand new, so I wanted to get this fixed. Garage said I needed a sump pan and gasket. I now know I don't need a gasket thanks to you guys telling me. No oil appearing on my drive, and oil level has not dropped. I just want to find a garage or someone to fix it for me. I live fairly close to Rayleigh in Essex, but will take it anywhere - within reason. Many thanks.
 
As many of us know, garages don't always get it right.
I had a garage put an advisory on the MOT "Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage Below A/C compressor". Took it to a a real car mechanic who repairs cars, not a "Technician" who just replaces parts. He put it on the ramp, and we could both clearly see it was the A/C compressor leaking (the clue, as Wild E. Coyote said earlier on, was the shiny green fluid all over it!). His garage is in Essex, on Canvey Island, so if you need his details, feel free to send me a PM.
 
Maybe 'Wild E Coyote' will know the garage mine went into - they call themselves the largest garage in Castle Point. Clue is in the name.
 

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