Oil on the garage floor...

[Marc S]

I've noticed that the day after I've parked the car, there is a small puddle of oil under the engine bay. I checked the sump plug and filter - I'd had these off to service it so blamed myself - but these were dry. I opened the bonnet, and noted the oil was directly beneath the crankcase vent pipe...so I really don't think it should be dropping any oil from here. Is this normal, or an indication of something wrong? I checked the levels, and it had dropped a tiny bit on the dipstick - the puddle isn't exactly big...
I'm not worried about the oil loss, more about the potential issue it's pointing too

Any suggestions welcome!

[philthehill]

If the car has done a high mileage it is normal for the oil to be breathed/drip out of the crankcase vent pipe.
Use the later cam follower/tappet front cover with the breather connected to either the carb or manifold.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

It indicates a degree of blow-bye on the pistons - pushing oil vapour out of the engine. Check and clear the top breather pipe from the rocker cover to the air filter. Test for vapour is with hot engine - remove oil filler cap and rev up. Is there a plume of smoke/fume??

[Marc S]

Thanks for the info...I'll give it a test at the weekend

[SteveClem]

I can confirm that one gets less worried about 'minor' oil leaks after getting a v8 Land Rover. I'm told that they are more incontinent than old ladies but you can always tell where they have been.

[Marc S]

I can confirm that one gets less worried about 'minor' oil leaks after getting a v8 Land Rover. I'm told that they are more incontinent than old ladies but you can always tell where they have been.

Excellent

You're right, I have a couple of leaks under the old RX7, I know what it is, and I know it's nothing serious...with the moggy I was more worried that I had a problem - always nice to know it's nowt too serious. He's been around for 56 years, and done *many* miles, so I can't expect him to be perfect...I just don't want to break him

[dalebrignall]

you wont break him they all leak to some degree

[ianmack]

British motors don't leak, they mark their territory.

[panky]

The more they leak the more gets blown back underneath, call it BMC's rust protection system
Mine will never rust, neither will my drive

[dalebrignall]