Oil Leak Only when Engine Is Off?

[richie2912]

Hi all,

I did a quick search and nothing bounced out at me about my small annoying problem.

I have an oil leak on my 1275 engine only when the engine is off. I changed the gaskets last night and with my new gaskets came an option of cork or rubber for the forward and back end. I chose rubber as they were allready cut and i thought i could eliminate the previous mistake i did make by cutting the cork too short!

Previously i had alot of oil coming out when the engine was off but over last night i had around a 8cm patch of oil on the paper i placed under my sump. (before i changed the gaskets it was around 20cm)

Now as i was dressed for work i didn't climb under the car to see where it was coming from, but i will do this tonight.

I have a HIF44 Carb and have not connected the breather from that to my rocker cover. Do you think this will help?
All i have is a breather filter on my rocker cover and a blank on the carb.

Thanks All.

[mike.perry]

It is important to have the breather pipes properly set up on the 1275. You should have a hose from the timing chain cover cannister to the carb which draws air out from the sump and should prevent oil escaping at the back of the crankshaft. The 1275 rocker cover does not normally have a breather.
The pool of oil under the car is what has collected in the clutch housing whilst the engine has been running and then dripped on the garage floor. Do not park on other people's block paving driveways!!!!

[richie2912]

Thats interesting as i dont have a breather coming off my timing chain cover.

The engine was given to me and was previously used in another moggy.

Im guessing it will still be ok to use the rockercover breather piped into the carb?

Would there be a problem with the fan hitting the timing chain casing if i changed it to a 1275 cover with breather?

[Declan_Burns]

There is one with a flattened cannister available but pricey.
http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx? ... 792&title=
Regards
Declan

[richie2912]

You were not wrong! That is pricey!

I think first i will try the rocker cover breather and see if connecting it to my carb works.

Thanks both

[Stig]

The rocker cover pipe should work just as well.

I was waiting for Roy (bmcecosse) to say just that but he must be off playing with steam trains...

[bmcecosse]

Don't panic - here I am! No steam trains today - just soffit painting - from a very high and shaky ladder........ what fun.
Anyway - yes - you MUST connect that rocker cover breather (well done for having this breather - it's ESSENTIAL) to the carb - throw away the daft 'breather filter'. And - I do suggest you arrange a second breather at the timing cover (you can bend the fan blades slightly!) - or - it is possible to make a breather up using the unused opening for the mechanical fuel pump - this will be much easier (and less expensive - always top priority for a Scotsman) then swapping timing covers. The oil you are seeing is being pushed past the rear crank labyrinth scroll by pressure in the crankcase - hopefully - unless the engine is badly worn - the breather connection will eliminate that pressure and therefore also most of the leak!

[richie2912]

Well it is connected up now and i will find out if it leaks when i return from having it MOT'd for the first time since restoring it. Hopefully all goes ok!

Thanks all!

[bmcecosse]

Good luck with the MOT!