Huh? Magic Oil?

[SteveM]

One for the Bongo sleuths.....


Made a 600 mile round trip at the weekend, motor running like a dream (2.5 petrol with lpg), on the morning before we headed up she flew threw the mot. Tester advised that it looked like we had a small oil leak from somewhere.

On our return, we had a phone call to say that we had left an oil patch on the drive we had been parked up on. Cue a hurried oil level check in the dark on a slight slope ( nose up). Level is below the minimum.

So due to head north again yesterday and just before leaving put the van on the level checked water, ok, then filled up the oil, it took 2 litres. Drove to garage to fill up with gas, approximately 8 miles. Filled up then noticed a steady drip under the van, oil. Checked it there on the level and it level is now halfway between max and min. Abandoned the trip, returned home, check the oil and it's under minimum.

Put some cardboard underneath overnight and there is a small patch on it this morning. Have pulled the van off the drive this morning, checked the level and it's back up to the max line!! I haven't added any oil, so I'm scratching my head a bit.

Any ideas?

Thanks oil

[Bob]

Did you let it sit for 10/15 mins after moving off drive so oil coould drop to lowest point?

Is the oil still 'Clean', ie not contaminated with fuel or coolant?

[SteveM]

Hi Bob,

No didn't wait after moving off the drive. But did recheck 20 minutes later and it was at the max level.

I have just run the engine for 10 minutes and the drip has re-appeared, the oil is clean, nothing mixed in with it. Have just taken it to a local garage who are going to take a look to see what's going on under there

[SteveM]

Garage reckons the leak is coming from behind the timing belt covers. Are the cam shaft oil seals back there? Only had new ones fitted approx 1500 miles ago

[Ian]

Check out this thread from about 6 years ago: http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... ne#p402289

[SteveM]

Thanks for the info

[SteveM]

Crank shaft oil seal was the culprit. I was probably being a dipstick with the dipstick.

[Gasy]

At least you found it now
And thanks for reporting back

[Bob]

Yes, thanks.

Letting us know what the problem was is a big help for others in the future.

[Bongolia]

Yes, thanks.

Letting us know what the problem was is a big help for others in the future.

Second that.