hi guys,

I have a small oil leak that I can't seem to figure out were it's comming from. I't on the crank pully side near the water pump / timming belt area. It covers that entire side below the head. It's not the cam seals, it something down lower. It looks like it's dripping slowly onto the left axle and getting flung all over from their. It only does it when the car is on and running hard. I can't see any leaks when it just sits and idles. It's a very small leak that does not really effect anything other than makes a mess after driving for a while. Anyone have any ideas?

 

clean the entire spot as best you can and get some uv dye. I had a small oil leak one time that i could not trace down till i did so, but only took a few minutes once i ran the dye thru. just an idea

 

Is it behind the timing belt covers? If so, check the balance shaft seals (or the plugs if you have eliminated the balance shafts) and the front main.

If it's not from under the timing belt covers, check the balance shaft sealing bolt on the right side of the engine (the crank pulley is the front of the engine) right behind the water pump (in that general area). Also, look to see that you have a leak free seal between the oil pump and block and/or the oil pan and block, although I'm guessing the leak is higher than the oil pan seal since it's getting on the driveshaft.

 

it's under the belt covers. I still have the balance shafts installed but with no belt or pullies on them. I don't think it's them leaking. I'm starting to lean more and more to the oil pump. I have never had to remove the oil pump before, can it be taken out while the engine is still in the car? There is not much room there.

I'm going to try the UV dye trick and see what I find, but like I said it only leaks when I drive the car hard so I can't run the car and look for the leak at the same time. And the leak hits the axle and gets sent all over so I'm not sure it will help.

 

Pretty common and also over looked. But the o-ring on the rear balance shaft on the oil pump ( 3 12mm to take it off) leaks most likly thats your culprit. But then there is also the seals that go behind the oil pump. But seeing as you think its behind the actual cover more then likely it's that rear balancershaft o-ring ( weird shaped gasket ).

Just my 2cents