Oil Leaks - What is normal

Post by **MinorMoments** » Wed May 07, 2008 3:03 pm

I am used to modern cars so this will probably seem a very blonde question.

Is it normal for an old car to have a permanent oil leak? I am assuming not as gaskets should contain the engine oil within the block...

Post by **dalebrignall** » Wed May 07, 2008 3:34 pm

i think it normal for an old engine to leak oil.if you have the engine reconditioned in the future it should not leak.bear in mind that the last morris came off the line in71,so theres bound to be some wear and tear

Post by **bigginger** » Wed May 07, 2008 3:39 pm

dalebrignall wrote:bear in mind that the last morris came off the line in71

Last one in England, yes ;)

Post by **alex_holden** » Wed May 07, 2008 3:52 pm

It's generally a bad sign if they suddenly stop leaking! ;)

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:35 pm

The difficult question is 'how much is too much'?
Most Minors wil;l make the occasional drip - if yours leaves a puddle every day it's not a good sign!

Post by **8009STEVE** » Thu May 08, 2008 9:09 am

It's generally a bad sign if they suddenly stop leaking!

If mine stopped leaking, then she would be out of oil

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri May 16, 2008 10:55 am

alex_holden wrote:It's generally a bad sign if they suddenly stop leaking! ;)

I had a modified gearbox cover fitted last year [by JLH] and there is virtually no leakage at all now.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 16, 2008 2:06 pm

Engine oil leaks are often caused by high internal crankcase pressure. Make sure the breathers are all clear - and one should be connected to the carb or (not so good) the air filter casing - to create a little suction from the crankcase to remove the fumes. Of course if the engine is badly worn on the bores/rings the fumes will overwhelm the breathers. Check - engine hot and idling, remove the oil filler cap - if there is a plume of fume/smoke then it's badly worn, and high oil consumption and leaks will be inevitable.