Thanks guys, ive just come in from degreasing the sump, gearbox and surrounding gubbins. Ive given the underside of the box a quick going over with gloss black and the sump also. It will need a couple more visits under there though before Godmanchester
Yes Jim its all oil tight now.....at least it seems that way

Its partly the reason why ive degreased the underside of the engine and box. My driveway is so stained with oil due to the longstanding leak i had that i cant really tell if any new oil has dropped. Now though a quick look underneath will tell me all i need to know.
As for the shinyness......the black plastics work really well with Carplan Tyre shine (Tescos now sell it too) None of that foaming rubbish, just a nice neat silicone laquer. It doesnt burn either....and lasts ages
The silver bits i tried to clean up with autosol to no avail. So plan B was a tentative going over with Hypersilver wheel paint with a variety of artists brushes (tescos again). On the inlet manifold at the back of the engine above the turbo i used a first coat of high temp aluminium paint then hypersilver over that. Seems to be coping well enough
What i have noticed however is that the paint on the rocker cover has cracked in one spot.....that is due to my impatience once it was removed and cleaned. It was keyed first with wet and dry before painting but i suspect that a little dust or grease was left on it when the paint went on. Never mind it will touch up ok
I must recommend however cleaning up your engine bay, it gives great satisfaction when its done and its not hard or expensive either
When i saw Sid's V6 at the DSM rally i thought....hhmmm nice big engine cover that, that would come up a treat
I must however pay respect to the ever helpful technical helpline of Jims

If it wasnt for knowing i could receive supportive advice i wouldnt have gone near the rocker cover.....cheers Jim, your the man 8)
1993 Citroen xm 2.1td, silver/grey, bowling ball wheel trims, 210k and climbing...