Oil Leak

Nobby

New Member
Hello All

I have just bought my first P6 (a 1974 V8 Auto) and I have a concern about an oil leak and am looking for some reassurance and advice. I am not mechanically minded in any way so these are really basic and innocent questions, please be gentle :)

The leak is from under the engine and after sitting for a few days the patch is about 8" square.

The dealer I bought the car from has had it back once and thought they had fixed it by replacing the seal on the fuel pump, it is going back again this weekend for them to have another look but I would like to try and guide them somehow.

Oil pressure sits at just over 30 when warm and running but does drop low when idling (to about 10 I think) - is this normal?
Is the V8 engine leaky by nature and should I expect oil drips (even if not to the extent I am seeing)?
Is the fuel pump seal a common problem and, if so, is there a recommended fix for it? Is it recommended to change the pump for an electric one?
Are there any other common sources of oil leaks that should be checked first?

Apart from the above the car is in good shape and performance seems strong with no unnerving noises! It has clearly been well looked after

Car has been mildly modified - K&N filters, unleaded heads, 3.9 cam, electronic ignition, kenlowe fan, custom exhaust

Any advice appreciated, I'm so looking forward to getting it all just so...

Thanks

Nobby
 
Old rovers leak oil, it can come from many places some are not easy or cheap to resolve.

Best to clean the gunk off the engine and see where it is coming from.

If it stops leaking worry, means your out of oil :)

Colin
 
^As above try to clean or at least wipe over most places so that it makes it easier to spot the leak. If possible put some newspaper or something under the car after a run, this will show you exactly where it is dripping. You can then work back from there, as often the oil will run along some surface or other before dripping.

Usual suspects which are easy to try are obvious things like sump plug and oil filter. Check all your sump bolts are there, my car actually has a couple missing.

At the top end if the rocker covers are leaking then try nipping them down a little bit tighter, and check your flame traps (The grey cylinders that are fitted to the rubber pipes that run from rocker covers to carbs) are clear of gunk. If they are blocked then wash them in paraffin or white spirit to clear, allow to dry and refit.
 
Change the flame traps and make sure that the hoses to and from them are clear, as are the pipes into the rocker covers and the carburettors. Replace the engine breather filter, and make sure the hoses to and from that are clear, and particularly the 90 degree metal pipe into the back of the block. Powerwash the engine and check for leaks then.

If the K&N filters are just on the carbs and not in the original airbox then you've already reduced the efficiency of the breathing system and that will increase the chances of oil leaks.
 
There is no reason why V8 Rover engine should leak though many do, its just a case of finding the leaking gasket and finessing it until it no longer leaks.

Graeme
 
Based on my knowledge of oil pressures, 10PSI at idle and 30 when running is about right. I am sure an expert can correct me but these engines run lower oil pressure than many others. Fitting a higher geared oil pump is a good idea in my opinion (might make it leak more in your case though!

How much oil are we talking about here? Pouring out or a few drips left on the driveway? Roughly where is the leak coming from? As above really all you can do is give it a good clean, find out roughly where it's coming from and go from there. Could be something blocked, could be a bad seal, could just be something needs tightening up a bit. Maybe the engine oil used is particularly thin?

I am sure you could replace the fuel pump for an electrical one...but if it isn't broke and you are not looking for performance gains...?
 
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