Riddle me this...

Rooders

Member
Hi everyone, bit of advice if possible please..
Had a couple of oil leaks fixed a couple of months back. Mechanic said one was definitely fixed but the other might possibly still leak a bit but might be cured with the additive (tbf he said it could be fixed but quite a big job having to take gearbox out). Anyway on a 200 mile trek to Wales oil light came on about 70 miles in. I stopped and chucked in about two ltrs. On the way home a week later it came on with about 50 miles to home. I put in the rest of what I had in the boot, only about half litre I reckon. Anyway I fully expected the light to come on soon after but since then I've been to the New Forest and back, Weymouth and back, Kings Lynn and back (I'm in London), plus local mileage about 50 a week, so quite a few miles and it's never come back on..I do of course check the dipstick and there is oil present and I'm driving around with reserves in the boot. Thing is there is STILL a leak I'm sure and as I can tell from the road I'm parking on. Car seems to run like a dream (1.4 petrol), so should I be concerned at all and or as long as the dipstick is showing oil (and the light doesn't come in) not worry? I know some cars so have minor oil leaks that can be lived with, but I would have been expecting to top up by now at least. Anyway, sorry for the long post, thoughts appreciated.
 
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Two things from me, others more experienced will soon have more ideas

1. AUA or BBY engine?
2. Does your engine have an undertray? If so, there is no way the oil marks on the road are yours so it may well be fixed.
 
I would guess at the oil seperator. Mine displayed similar symptoms and was duly sorted by Gary at B&F Autos in West Hounslow. Very top man, and sensible bills.
 
Thanks for the replies. It's an AUA, I can't find anywhere what the difference is between that and BBY. Anyway, I think it is 'my' oil on the road cos some of it looks quite fresh. I don't think there's anything wrong with the dipstick area. Haven't looked in lower engine tbh, I'll check that.
 
y.Thanks for the replies. It's an AUA, I can't find anywhere what the difference is between that and BBY. Anyway, I think it is 'my' oil on the road cos some of it looks quite fresh. I don't think there's anything wrong with the dipstick area. Haven't looked in lower engine tbh, I'll check that.
The main difference is the BBY has individual coil packs for each spark plug whereas the AUA as one for all four. Somebody did mention another minor difference but sorry it has escaped my ageing memory.

Andy
 
Okay, I managed to reach up the front of the car and can definitely see a leak. And it's coming from the the area I have posted and a pic of my hand to give an idea the amount coming off. Like I said oil still on dipstick and no warning light. Any (further) advice appreciated.
 

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Was searching through some other posts and think I might have come across something similar and the removal of the gearbox ties in exactly with what my mechanic was saying. Might have to live with this one and hope car continues to run well?
 

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I'm not familiar with this particular engine but on VAG engines that I am familiar with the only seal at that end of the engine is the main crank seal. If that seal has failed and you have a manual box then it will not be long before the clutch becomes contaminated and requires replacement.
I would be surprised if an additive will fix it, the seal is probably ptfe and not rubber. The oil consumption is excessive and probably a MOT failure, I don't think I would live with this one.
 
I'm not familiar with this particular engine but on VAG engines that I am familiar with the only seal at that end of the engine is the main crank seal. If that seal has failed and you have a manual box then it will not be long before the clutch becomes contaminated and requires replacement.
I would be surprised if an additive will fix it, the seal is probably ptfe and not rubber. The oil consumption is excessive and probably a MOT failure, I don't think I would live with this one.
 
No, additive clearly hasn't worked.. okay, thanks, I'll probably go back to my mechanic. MOT is next month anyway.
 
Okay, I managed to reach up the front of the car and can definitely see a leak. And it's coming from the the area I have posted and a pic of my hand to give an idea the amount coming off. Like I said oil still on dipstick and no warning light. Any (further) advice appreciated.
I am no expert, but having had a similar experience as in your photo, the oil may be travelling from further up the engine down to the underside of the sump (shown in your photo) so you need to trace its origin. Mine came from the oil separator (if you search the forum you will find it is very common) but this is at the back of the engine so gave up and took it to the experts (WOM). My $0.02
 
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