tidypug 5 2 Cars Posted June 18, 2006 As some of you may know, i have a problem with an oil leak, one that i have been trying to solve for the last 3 years ! I'm pretty sure its engine oil as it doesn't smell and its quite clear. The oil dribbles off the bottom edge of the sump/ block next to the gearbox as well as dribbling off the subframe just behind it. The oil also dribbles off the bottom of the gearbox. It also coats the bottom of my car. The back of the block is spotless though so this led me to think that the oil was coming from my sump or spacer plate. I kept taking them off and resealling them, i have done this about 10 times now with no change to the leak. I have even put a different sump and spacer plate on, this has also made no difference either. I remember a long time ago driving into a car park that had a big lump going in to it, i didn't see till it was too late and hit it, the lump hit my sump putting a few flat patches on the fins of the sump but nothing else. Could it be possible that i've cracked the block? Sorry for the long thread but i'm really getting fed up of this leak Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ablister 31 Posted June 18, 2006 if you say the oil is clear then it's more than likely to be transmission oil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tidypug 5 2 Cars Posted June 18, 2006 i was hoping that it was transmission oil but it doesn't smell of anything. Still its something else to try Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Cartooner Posted June 18, 2006 Did the leaking start after You hit the bump or not? You're not very clear about that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newdean0 0 Posted June 18, 2006 Could be the main oil seal around the crankshaft? That would let oil run down the side of the block and it would look like a sump leak. Unfortunately the only way I could think of checking this is to remove the flywheel and have a look so only worth it if you are changing the clutch at the same time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pug_101 0 Posted June 18, 2006 Is the oil the same colour as the oil on the dipstick? if it is should be engine oil. If not power steering or gearbox oil. From what you've said I would guess at gearbox, could be main input shaft in bellhousing or driveshaft seals. To help identify where the oil is coming from you can get special dye to go into oil (does no harm) that will illuminate with ultraviolet light (same as used to check your money at shops). Let me know if you go this way and can't get it and I will get some out to you. Lights can be got at Maplins etc. Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tidypug 5 2 Cars Posted June 19, 2006 i'll have a look into the dye for the oil, seems like a good idea, thanks The problem is that i've had this leak for so long that i can't remember if it started when i bashed the sump, i think i'm just guessing. I'm pretty confident that its not the crankshaft seal as i changed it when i fitted my new clutch and flywheel, plus i can see that the back of the flywheel is nice and dry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duroc 2 1 Cars Posted June 19, 2006 It might be the 2 L-shaped seals either side of the end bearing cap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
feb 47 Posted June 20, 2006 Is the engine oil or gearbox oil level dropping? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grim.Badger 15 Posted June 20, 2006 I seem to have the same leak, and I'm sure others do as well. It just doesn't seem to come from anywhere Does the GTi have an oil pressure release valve or similar? My old Toyota had a pressure switch that would break fairly regularly; it would act as if the engine was over pressurised and release excess oil all over the back of the engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tidypug 5 2 Cars Posted June 20, 2006 well i think the engine oil is staying the same and i haven't checked the gearbox for a while, i'll have a look when i get chance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
luggy 13 Posted June 20, 2006 Had same problem on mine. Engine oil level is not affected that much and the oil loss isnt that much that it leakes on the floor, doesnt smell of gear oil turns, out it was the dizzy O ring,taking into account Id got the head gasket done at 103k and both crank seals. luggy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
feb 47 Posted June 20, 2006 Had same problem on mine. Engine oil level is not affected that much and the oil loss isnt that much that it leakes on the floor, doesnt smell of gear oil turns, out it was the dizzy O ring,taking into account Id got the head gasket done at 103k and both crank seals.luggy Got a slight leak as well, engine oil level doesn't drop either. not enough to drip on the floor and is around the bottom engine mount. will try to get it on a ramp to check. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taylorspug 7 Posted June 20, 2006 I also have the mystery leak. Its really nothing on mine though, doesnt get past the subframe, so i really cant be bothered to fix it! Crank or gearbox end seal maybe... Driveshaft oil seals worth checking aswell? You may have said all this already, but i only scanned the thread! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pug_101 0 Posted June 20, 2006 Let me know who wants some of the dye mentioned earlier in the tread. Remember you will need a ultraviolet light. Send me your address etc and i'll get some out to you. If I get to many requests I may have to ask for some postage money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
