MD2030 Mysterious Oil Leak

[Cariadco]

Oil dripping from/collecting around the sump Bolts, eventually dripping into the well.
Cleaned everything spotless many, many times.
Checked everything I can think of: No leaks from front Crank seal, Water Pump, Engine Mounts Bolts into the Block, Injector Pump, all sump bolts nice and tight.
Spent ages with a torch and mirror, whilst engine running (Hot Engine).
Still nothing.
Next morning, 2 or 3 little puddles in the Crossmember under the front of the sump.
I do suspect the Sump Gasket itself, which requires the engine out to change it.
Sorry no photos.
Any Ideas?

 

[lustyd]

There's an o-ring behind the throttle assembly on these engines that often leaks oil, have a search for that and maybe try putting some kitchen roll in to catch oil in that area. Also the water pump lip seals can leak.
Yours sounds like it's leaking when cold though, so probably not that unless the oil is taking time to drip down. If not leaking when hot then likely something shrinking when cold and breaking a seal.

 

[Cariadco]

Soz, forgot to mention, that particular O ring was the first place i went to. Thanks anyways.

 

[lustyd]

Have you also checked the oil removal tube cap is in place and the dipstick seal is working? I suspect that your initial thoughts were correct but always worth checking the basics before pulling out the engine

 

[john_morris_uk]

Soz, forgot to mention, that particular O ring was the first place i went to. Thanks anyways.

There are also ‘O rings’ on the stop control shaft and the governor shaft(s). IIRC.

 

[TSB240]

Wrap some tissue round the two regulator arm shafts to check if your oil leak is from the the o rings.
Don't forget these o rings are under crankcase pressure and are inside the regulator. This will reduce oil leaks until engine stopped and cooled.

I think you have eliminated every other potential source!

 

[Hoist]

I have seen a porous sump on the perkins version of that engine. Is it shaft or SD?

 

[Cariadco]

Have you also checked the oil removal tube cap is in place and the dipstick seal is working? I suspect that your initial thoughts were correct but always worth checking the basics before pulling out the engine

Yep, Dip Stick O Ring's new and the Cap on the Tube seems perfect. No oil running down the pipe. Thanks.

 

[Cariadco]

I have seen a porous sump on the perkins version of that engine. Is it shaft or SD?

Yeah, Good Point. It's a SD and although I've looked for a Crack or Perforations, I've never found any.

 

[Cariadco]

Wrap some tissue round the two regulator arm shafts to check if your oil leak is from the the o rings.
Don't forget these o rings are under crankcase pressure and are inside the regulator. This will reduce oil leaks until engine stopped and cooled.

I think you have eliminated every other potential source!

Yes, I have been wondering about thermal expansion, Like when the Engine Cools. More things to thing about though. Thanks.

 

[Cariadco]

There are also ‘O rings’ on the stop control shaft and the governor shaft(s). IIRC.

No leaks from the Fuel Pump or the Governor or any of the associated Pipes and bits!! Thanks.

 

[Stemar]

After everything you've done, plan A for me would be to cover the area with cornstarch and see where it gets washed away.

 

[Ammonite]

Buy yourself one of these kits and you will find in no time
5ml UV Dye & 9 Led Torch - Leak Detection Dye For Oil & Fuel - FREE BATTERIES | eBay

 

[mattonthesea]

After everything you've done, plan A for me would be to cover the area with cornstarch and see where it gets washed away.

Blue Roll is good too. It will slightly cling to the engine and traces the paths of leaks

 

[parbuckle]

Am I missing something as the most obvious thing is the oil filter also the cheapest fix I recall a previous post where the gear box etc was stripped down to repair a rear oilseal only later to discover a faulty oil filter was the culprit

 

[Cariadco]

Buy yourself one of these kits and you will find in no time
5ml UV Dye & 9 Led Torch - Leak Detection Dye For Oil & Fuel - FREE BATTERIES | eBay

Thanks for this link. Ordered it and we shall see...sorry for the pun.

 

[Cariadco]

Am I missing something as the most obvious thing is the oil filter also the cheapest fix I recall a previous post where the gear box etc was stripped down to repair a rear oilseal only later to discover a faulty oil filter was the culprit

Not a drop from the filter. Thanks anyways.

 

[Ammonite]

Thanks for this link. Ordered it and we shall see...sorry for the pun.

Apologies- I linked to a smaller quantity than I meant to. You'll probably need 20 - 30ml depending on your oil volume. There's loads of kits in this range on eBay / Amazon for £10 - £15

 

[Cariadco]

Apologies- I linked to a smaller quantity than I meant to. You'll probably need 20 - 30ml depending on your oil volume. There's loads of kits in this range on eBay / Amazon for £10 - £15

Sussed the volume needed, so on what 3.5ltrs of Oil?, I ordered the 30ml, for an extra squid, leaves me some to try again!!

 

[Hoist]

if it's a saildrive then you can cancel the porous sump. Its very different to the steel shaft drive one