A few months ago, I noticed that the oil spotting under my 3.0l TF had morphed into a puddle. I couldn’t see much that wasn’t oil covered under the car, so took it to an auto chain. They noted a faulty filter seal and recommended a degrease and minor service.

Puddle did not look much smaller, and a re-inspection picked a rear rocker gasket and distributor seal as the likely culprit.

I now have new rear bank plugs but the puddle is still there – about 10x5cm after a casual drive, and Diagnosis No 3 was the main bearing seal and /or camshaft seals.

Already about $550 down (ex plugs), this is starting to sound expensive to me, so I was after some advice. I see my options are:


Just dodge the puddle – or does this sound like a gusher of “Gulf of Mexico” proportions.
Attempt to fix it myself. Is this the type of job that someone with a full set of tools but (nowadays) little motivation and patience (oh, and little money) would tackle.
Stuff some of those Oil additives into the engine in the hope that it clogs / softens the seals.
Check the breathers – this is a recommendation I saw in another thread. Can someone advise specifically which hoses to check.


Thanks

Is the puddle situated to one side of the car specificly?if they've done he cover gaskets and the dissy o-ring these not much else that commonly leaks on any motor than the cam and crank seals, assuming the work shop you went to is a reputable one id say that they did replace the cover gasket properly and its more than likely the cam and crank seals.

Not knowing your mechanical skill I wouldn't recommend it as a DIY for first timers, not saying you can't do it, just that its a big job.
I wouldn't wast more money on the "additives" just fix it properly.
Check your breathers either way...

Could be the oil pressure switch or the sump gasket.

I was quoted $1200 to fix all my oil leaks but instead i did the front rocker cover gasket myself and then i was going to do the rear but couldnt be stuffed. Are you losing much oil? Im leaking Oil but not losing any really so im ignoring mine till i get a new Motor.

As for the additives i would steer clear the one that is meant to stop leaks will probally just thicken your oil and give you a bad cold start in the future. As for the DIY i would say get a repair manual and have a good read, then decide if you can tackle it.

The puddle appears to be roughly central.

Oil pressure switch has been replaced. It does not appear to be sump gasket




Check your breathers either way...

Can you describe how many breathers there are and how I identify them

Is there a link to workshop manual for the TF in these forums

On the rocker cover's mate there is a hose going from the front one to the lower intake manifold (IIRC) and the rear rocker cover going to the air intake hose.

How well have you degreased it? i mean, have you taken wheels off while on a stand and used a high pressure washer from underneath?

What area's is it wet around? Sump plug tight?

Thanks for the advice on the breathers.

Yes, it was thoroughly degreased, and the sump plug is okay

Must admit that I haven't crawled under the car since their last lot of repairs, having resigned myself to the fact that their last diagnosois of the mean bearing seal is correct.