Small Oil Leak - Helen's Babe

[andrewduff72]

Hi guys back again, the motor I put in Helen's Babe is a used 12A motor. As you would understand they are hard to get hold of these days, particularly in Australia. The engine came with a limited warranty, passed a pressure test and things like that, when I got it in the car runs ok so we thought eveything was good. Unfortunately we did 280 km of country driving on the weekend, there was a smell of oil coming from the car after 2 hours of running. All temperatures were good.

I took it to exhaust place and had a look at the exhaust, everyhting is tight but there was a lot of oil on the outside that was being blown down from the sump. I have attached a photo showing where the leak is. It is small, not enough to show up on the dip stick afetr the 500km it has done since I finished the interior. Also after cleaning it does not show up at all when cold only hot.

I know that there are high pressure oil galleries down that side of the motor and most likely the seal has gone.......meaning the motor needs a full rebuild. Just wondering if there are any other options to keep it under control for a few months? I have found seal kit available from DragonAuto in USA for ~ $300, but as there is no way I have the skill or tools to rebuild the motor (!) looking at between $2000 and $4000 for a professional rebuild.

Engine Photo.pdf

(181.1 KiB) Downloaded 344 times

Thanks,

Andrew

[codge]

Hi Andrew, Can't see where you're indicating on the pic but is it around the oil filter area?

Presume you have looked at the oil filter, at any 'O' ring filter seals on a series 1(?), and what about pressure switch / pressure gauge outlets as well.

I really want to say look at the simple things first but it looks like you have plenty of skills to have maybe done all that already.

An expert engine rebuild man might have better advice. Anyone? Mr T?

Dave

[myatt1972]

I think you posted the wrong pic, If you can post a pic of the leaking area im sure we can help.
As Dave says I'd be looking at the "o" rings below the oil filter first

[andrewduff72]

Keith,

Yes the text mark I put on the photo did not show up when uploaded. Hopefully below is better, there is no leak on the oil filler it is coming from the between the end plate and front rotor housing on the same side of the engine as the oil filler..... I doubt there is an easy answer but thought I would ask. Has anyone bought from DragonAuto.com? Once bitten I am more weary.

Leak.jpg (178.94 KiB) Viewed 6033 times

Thanks for the

Andrew.

[RamoNZ]

Not sure that is seals, could be a cracked plate. Have a look and see if you can see any hairline cracks around there.

Hopefully it won't get worse and it can wait until you are ready to rebuild.

[BO0557]

Could be the dowel o ring just blown out with age as that dowel has the oil passage also that $300 for a seal kit is expensive if it's just the o rings and gaskets..

You can get them from mazdatrix or even Atkins for $130US and as your based in Perth might be worth speaking with a few work shops or posting something on ausrotary and Bumpstart who is Perth based may be able to help

[TOOL]

Damon's advice above sounds pretty good.

Are you sure it's coming from the top though? If its only coming from the bottom then could be the sealant on the legs of the housing. Slap some more sealant on it.

Run it and see where it leaks out. If its on the top, it's the oil gallery oring or a cracked plate and its rebuild time imo.

[spirit r]

A little chance for you I think! It is easy without take of the engine.

engine008_zps43b27dad.jpg (84.4 KiB) Viewed 5959 times

[andrewduff72]

Thanks for the help all.

I have now got 8 quotes, all from over in the eastern states, range of prices are pretty big but I guess you get what you pay for with a rebuild so will have to choose carefully.

Andrew.

[andrewduff72]

All,

The guys at Rotomotion have done a great job rebuilding the engine. In rotating parts were in good condition but the 12A housings were finished. John at Rotomotion had some 12A housings that were better so used them.

Photos below.

Top

IMG_3406.jpg (96.14 KiB) Viewed 5786 times

Side

IMG_7410.jpg (114.8 KiB) Viewed 5786 times

Front

IMG_8004.jpg (109.41 KiB) Viewed 5786 times

Feels really good now, I am treating gently for 1500km when John will check for the warranty.

Thanks Rotomotion. I will update all of you with more news soon.

If anyone is in WA I have a pair of series 2 front seats and other interior parts available.

Andrew