Xantia oil leak

Jshodgson · Post by **Jshodgson** » 02 Apr 2006, 00:19

I have just noticed for the first time an oil ptach under my car (by sump plug) when I leave it parked. There has been no recent work done to the engine compartment and the oil hasn't been changed recently.

Any ideas before I get messy tomorrow????

Thanks

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 02 Apr 2006, 00:27

Try if the oil plug is firmly tensioned. If it is then you need a new seal under the plug. This is exactly the same procedure as changing the oil.

Note that sometimes oil spillage from topping up can take the route down to the sump plug ...

Post by **Peter.N.** » 02 Apr 2006, 08:48

The first thing to do would to clean the oil off and then wait to see where it reappears. Oil is by nature 'creepy', you need to see where its coming from rather than where it is.

RStacey · Post by **RStacey** » 02 Apr 2006, 21:56

My recent experience is that oil leaks from the cambelt end of the cyl head i.e. camshaft seal or head gasket will find their way on to the back flange of the sump and drip close to the sump plug - If its not simply the sump plug have a look to see if there is oil on the offside corner of the rear face of the block (I think it might be visible through the right front wheel arch)

Jshodgson · Post by **Jshodgson** » 02 Apr 2006, 22:40

Thanks,

on closer inspection (and some cleaning) it doesn't seem to have anyhthing to do with the sump plug. There is oil all over the bottom of the engine and I have eben advised to have it steam cleaned then look to see where it is coming from. Is this worth doing? (cost/time etc)

Should I just accept that an 11 year old 144,000 mile car will have some oil leaks????

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 02 Apr 2006, 22:49

Most gas stations have a cleaning/tidy-up area where you can apply engine cleaner all over the engine bay - and then hose it down afterwards. Cheapest option.

Either way you are prone to get a lot more problems with water getting in to all and every electric plug in the engine bay - days of entertainment 8)

No - bite the apple and do it manually : wipe off the oil with rags. Dosnt have to be perfect as you just need to look for fresh oil traces afterwards.

Most common oil leak problem is a tired rocker cover gasket. A typical DIY project for replacing.
Next most common leak problem is a tired sump pan gasket. Also a typical DIY project.
Third most common oil leaks are from the cam & crank seals at cambelt sprockets. About the same job as replacing the cambelt.
And then of course there is the weeping HG - a known weakness on the XUD engine range.

Clean it manually for MOT and live with it until it becomes a nuisance.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 02 Apr 2006, 23:20

Not in this country they don't, Anders, would be a good idea though!

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 03 Apr 2006, 00:27

Peter.N. wrote:Not in this country they don't, Anders, would be a good idea though!

Not common in UK ?
Hmm ... seems we do better with at least something here in DK

It is in fact quite common to find such a place at gasstations here in DK : with free soap water to soak your dirty car - or spray the engine bay - before you drive it into the washing machine. Most places also have a huge vacuum cleaner which you run by a coin box. And of course the common tyre inflator/checker.