Oil 'leak'

[Brian007]

Hi Guys. New to this so please bear with me!
I have a Freeman 27 cruiser fitted with a BMC 1800 diesel.
Returning from a short cruise today, I noticed the oil pressure drop considerably. On berthing I found that the engine had 'ejected' ALL the engine oil with none showing on the dipstick.
I now have a very oily bilge!!
Can anyone give me ideas as to why?

 

[BruceK]

Can you identify where the leak was from, that would help.

I would guess a o-ring seal has blown somewhere. I had an oil cooler on a completely different engine lose it's o-rings because a tiny bit of sealant hydraulic-ed the o-ring out of their recess on tightening down. Dumped about 10 litres in under 5 minutes for a penny part so there is hope its not catastrophic.

 

[scottie]

I seem to remember the crankshaft oil seal being just a felt ring that can dry and requires replacing

 

[Brian007]

Can you identify where the leak was from, that would help.

I would guess a o-ring seal has blown somewhere. I had an oil cooler on a completely different engine lose it's o-rings because a tiny bit of sealant hydraulic-ed the o-ring out of their recess on tightening down. Dumped about 10 litres in under 5 minutes for a penny part so there is hope its not catastrophic.

Good morning and thanks for your reply.
I didn't have time yesterday to do any investigations but will do an inspect today to see if I can identify the source of the leak.
I'll maybe update you later.
Lets hope it's not catastophic!
Thanks again.

 

[Brian007]

I seem to remember the crankshaft oil seal being just a felt ring that can dry and requires replacing

Hi.
Good morning and thanks for your reply.
Would the crankshaft seal leak so much oil in such a short space of time ( maybe about 15 to 20 mins ).
If it is this, sounds like a big job to fit a new seal!
Surely must need the engine out!

 

[essexboy]

If it is the first time it has been used for some time, could be stuck piston rings.

 

[Brian007]

If it is the first time it has been used for some time, could be stuck piston rings.

Hi.
Many thanks for your reply.
No, this was not the first time for a while that the engine was run. The engine has been run up approximately fortnightly and until now has shown constant oil pressure and temperature.
I am planning to clean up the bilge tomorrow and lay some oil mats, refill the sump, restart the engine and see if I can identify where the leak is.
Watch this space.
Thanks again.

 

[Boater Sam]

Crankshaft oil seals are proper lip seals, unlikely the problem. Is the filler cap still on?
The oil pump on a 1.8D is on the port side but the oil gallery and pressure switch is on the starbrd side. Often there is a rubber hydraulic hose under the engine transfering the oil over, they do rot eventually.
Leaks on BMC engines are very common but usually are just drips. Clean it off and put some oil in, fire it up and see where it is coming from.
Look at the tappet chest covers and the fuel lift pump on the port side, rocker box, oil pressure switch and pressure gauge pipe [If capillary] and oil filter on the starboard side.

 

[Seastoke]

If the breather is blocked , can it force it out with back pressure.

 

[Brian007]

Crankshaft oil seals are proper lip seals, unlikely the problem. Is the filler cap still on?
The oil pump on a 1.8D is on the port side but the oil gallery and pressure switch is on the starbrd side. Often there is a rubber hydraulic hose under the engine transfering the oil over, they do rot eventually.
Leaks on BMC engines are very common but usually are just drips. Clean it off and put some oil in, fire it up and see where it is coming from.
Look at the tappet chest covers and the fuel lift pump on the port side, rocker box, oil pressure switch and pressure gauge pipe [If capillary] and oil filter on the starboard side.

Hi Sam!
Brilliant advice, thanks.
Yes, filler cap was still in place.
I will check all the other points out tomorrow once I've cleaned up the oily mess in the bilge!
Watch this space.

 

[Brian007]

If the breather is blocked , can it force it out with back pressure.

Hi.
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, that was one of my first thoughts and will check this out together with all the other ideas suggested, once I'v cleaned up the oil in the bilge.
Thanks again.