classic car forum header
Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 
Register     Posting Photographs     Privacy     F/book OCC Facebook     OCC on Patreon

Oil Leaks
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Mechanical Restoration
Author Message
Norfolkandchance



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:58 pm    Post subject: Oil Leaks Reply with quote

I am used to modern cars so this will probably seem a very blonde question.

Is it normal for an old car to have a permanent oil leak? I am assuming not as gaskets should contain the engine oil within the block...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 3:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

a few odd drips are not uncommon Smile a tidal wave of the black stuff however calls for surgery

R
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Uncle Joe
Guest





PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 3:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Norfolk, can you see the rough area from where the oil is leaking?
Back to top
buzzy bee



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 3382
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 4:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

I allways have leaks, if it is an ocasional drip, put some sand down, or a nice baking tray, if you want to get it sorted, like UJ says, wipe the area clean with some thinners or petrol, and find where it is coming from.

Cheers

Dave
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Uncle Joe
Guest





PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 4:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

buzzy, heres a good tip for you. If you have an unpainted concrete floor, use fine cement instead of sand. If you use a tray, put kitty litter in it.
Back to top
Norfolkandchance



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 47

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 4:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Uncle Joe wrote:
Norfolk, can you see the rough area from where the oil is leaking?


Unfortuately not, the engine is covered in too much oil to be sure. Will at some point clean it up as per your previous tips, but that will not be for the foreseeable future due to childcare commitments.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Roverron



Joined: 04 May 2008
Posts: 134
Location: Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 6:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My Rover leaks oil quite nicely, not too much and it stops things going rusty. I used to try and stop it but now I live with it. As long as there isn't a pool of oil under the car you'll be fine. It also diguises how much oil your engine burns cos you can always tell yourself its leaked out when you top up.
_________________
To Hell with ambition, it drives a man mad, I can scarcely wake up to be fed.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 10:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Norfolkandchance wrote:
Uncle Joe wrote:
Norfolk, can you see the rough area from where the oil is leaking?


Unfortuately not, the engine is covered in too much oil to be sure. Will at some point clean it up as per your previous tips, but that will not be for the foreseeable future due to childcare commitments.


From the photos you put in the other thread, the engine bay doesn't look all that grubby, and I'd be inclined to leave the Waxoyl/oily stuff around the engine bay to ward off dampness/corrosion etc, especially as you plan to use this car rather than mollycoddle it and take it out to shows only.

If you get a mo, take a piccie of the drips on the floor and post it on here, that way we'll be able to give you an idea about whether its something that needs fixing asap, or is just something that all A-Series engined cars (Minors, Minis, A40s etc) do - leaks are not uncommon Smile

cheers, Rick
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
clan chieftain



Joined: 05 Apr 2008
Posts: 2041
Location: Motherwell

PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 10:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The A series engine is prone to leaking at the front crankshaft oil seal. The seal is behind the bottom pulley at the front of the engine.
They also leak at the rear of the engine as well.
As the other lads said if you can dry off the bottom of the engine and then run it you will be able to see where it is leaking from.
The rocker cover gasket could also be leaking and running down the side of the engine. The rocker cover is where you fill up with oil. There is a cork gasket under there.
Sorry for my earlier comment..................Larry.
_________________
The Clan Chieftain
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Uncle Joe
Guest





PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 9:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Of all the oil leaks that are possible on the A series engine, there is only one that would really bother me. Thats the one that sometimes comes at the rear of the crank. On the other hand, a leak there would bother me on any car!
Back to top
old gto



Joined: 10 Dec 2007
Posts: 172
Location: Orlando, Florida

PostPosted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Old cars don`t leak oil.....
they mark their spot!

Much like a dog in the woods, they don`t actually have to piddle that much, they just mark the territory so all other dogs know they were there. Same with old cars.

_________________
"The only thing I`m sure of.....is that I`m not sure of anything!"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Mechanical Restoration All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
OCC Merch link
Forum T&C


php BB powered © php BB Grp.