Oil Leak ?????

[BONGODADDY]

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x288 ... 2_0996.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x288 ... 2_0995.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x288 ... 2_0994.jpg

Hi All,

I fitted my new handbrake gaitor today and whilst having the centre console out thougt i would lift the seats to check oil etc, no probs there, oil level fine BUT then noticed what i think is a leak?
It is on the drivers side, i have taken three photos of this i have tried to show as much of the area as poss.

Now i am no mechanic, so thought i would see if anyone knows by looking at the photos what the problem might be?

I have not had any oil on the drive and have not noticed any difference in noise or performance when driving although my Bongo is my second car and is not used that much at the moment.

Any help greatfully appreciated.

Oh and Happy New Year !!!!!!!!

[dave_aber]

Looks like a shiny driver's side to the block, below the cylinder head. Mine's a bit like that - no dropping of level, and no drips on the drive, so I'm not too worried. It is probably the head gasket weeping a wee bit of oil - not ideal, but not the same as "the head gasket's gone". Keep a close eye. You could have the head bolts nipped up, but possibly not worth the bother......

[nfn]

Could it just be from the rocker cover gasket?, or perhaps EGR sludge? Neither of these is a worry. You may have to clean it off then keep an eye on it to get a better idea of where it's coming from.

[francophile1947]

Yep, EGR valve sludge - they're nearly all like that

[BONGODADDY]

Thanks to all that have replied, from the sounds of things not too much to worry about then (Thank god for that thought i was going to have to sell all my xmas pressies to pay for the garage bill!!), Is it worth cleaning up the area and if so is there a spray or something similar to use as it is a bit difficult to get to all the "Sludge" as it has dripped down the engine, also what causes the sludge in the first place?
Once again thanks for your help.

[wonkanoby]

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... &sk=t&sd=a

[BONGODADDY]

Hi Wonkanoby, thanks very much for the link,

Is it safe enough to spray some of the engine degreaser on the "Sludge" and hose it off, is there any electrical parts to avoid around the area on my posted pics?

Thanks again.

[wonkanoby]

not really alternators on other side under passenger seat

but unless you remove undertray thats were it will end up

[Diplomat]

When it runs down into the engine tray it will mix with the diesel drips from the pump and as you drive along the entire rear underside gets automatically waxoyled so there is a reduced chance of those rear wheel arches rusting.

If there is no tray it drips in the road which is bad news for motorcyclists.

Frank

[BONGODADDY]

Hi Frank,
Sounds like once sorted i can tick Two jobs off my list of Bongo things to do then !!!!!!!

[mikeonb4c]

If there is no tray it drips in the road which is bad news for motorcyclists.

Frank

Indeed, if quantity is sufficient. I suspect the worst culprits are those making bigger spillages (maybe those who overfill their tanks etc.?)

I found a very simple cure when I had a small diesel pump leak was to put a good sized old rag on the undertray. It doesn't get blown off and it wicks up any leakage that attempts to accumulate and drip onto the road. Change the rag at suitable intervals

[BONGODADDY]

Hi Mike,
Good advice,
Think i will probably try to clean up the area when the weather gets a little warmer and the hosepipe defrosts!
We have just had the drive done as well, so Mrs will kill me if i get "Sludge" all over it !!