Oil leak under boost, where to look next?
 

Hi,

not sure this is the right sub-forum, please let me know where to relocate to if it isn't...

I have a 2004 1.8 VVT engine with a turbo (really?) and I have an oil leak at the front of the engine. If I drive to work without getting into boost, there are no oil drips on the parking spot. If I do get into boost, I can smell oil in the car while driving and it marks it's spot when parked. I have checked and replaced the crank and cam fron seals, the journals seem OK and (I drive without covers, now, to check and because I have new covers on order) I cannot see any sign of leaks on those seals. I have the 'turbo'-PCV valve and the opposite breather outlet is open (as in not blocked) and goes via a hose to a catch can. Tonight, I will re-seal the little cover on the VVT mechanism, as that is a potential leak when the crankcase (and therefore the whole internal engine) gets under a bit of pressure because of blow-by. And then, I am running out of ideas.

[EDIT] I have a boost limit at 1 bar (14.5 psi?), but it also happens at lower boost levels [/EDIT]

Please share your thoughts / experiences,
Cheers,

Hugo

Where under the car is the spot appearing? I had a leak that would show up right beneath the front center of the oil pan. You would think that it was the front main seal but it was actually the driver side corner of the half moon/oil pan seal, so the oil would seep there and accumulate at the low spot. Clean everything off REALLY good, including the plastics underneath, go drive it under the conditions that seem to be causing it and then look for oil. Also just because you only notice it happening after being under boost certainly doesn't meant that is the only time it's happening.

Bill

Try using oil leak detection dye. Clean the entire engine off with brake clean or engine degreaser, drop the little vial of dye in and take the car for a spin. You wouldn’t think so but the dye makes it way easier to locate where the oil’s coming from, especially if you have a big leak that spreads oil all over the motor quickly.

Thanks, both usefull inputs. I know the leak dye from airco leaks, didn't know it was available / useable for engine oil, too. I'll give it a shot and I will have a look at the half moon seal.

Cheers,

Hugo

Blast, I sure hope I don't need to pull the oil pan... Just searched YT, either pull engine or drop subframe. Without a lift and owning an engine hoist, that would mean option 1...

Ditch the PCV and let the crankcase breathe instead of pressurizing