Oil leak

[les]

I’m still troubled with an oil leak, not bad but annoying. It appears as a small leak between the engine back plate and gearbox flange, and incidentally the gearbox jiggle pin has oil on it. Regarding the backplate, while the gearbox and clutch was removed, I replaced the gasket behind it and a new one for the oil pump, so I think that area is sound. However I’m wondering about the scroll seal, could it allow oil to run down the engine backplate on the gearbox side, and hence seep between said plate and gearbox flange ?
If not then likely from the gearbox front casting, I don’t think there is a seal there. Also as a jiggle pin is a standard feature, is oil at that point normal ? Advise help and opinions needed on these questions please.

[oliver90owner]

Less likely from the scroll seal unless the engine is over-filled or there is crankcase pressure, the latter being the more likely.

The jiggle pin is there to keep the bell-housing free of liquids - could be oil from engine or gearbox but also water from deep wading or leaky seals. If engine oil is leaking at both the joint and the drain, I would be checking for piston blow-by being the cause - it is always there to some extent but pressure should be kept at or slightly less than atmospheric by the breathing system.

[les]

Thank you, yes I will be checking for breather issues, although I have been satisfied prior to this. The engine was a new Gold seal unit when I bought my van and minimal mileage covered since then, would suggest the unit is ok. If it’s not a scroll issue, it’s looking like the gearbox front cover but rebuilt with new gaskets, would suggest it could only be from the shaft that passes through it.
I have made a sumpguard come drip tray that I may fit but I am rather keen on a drip free van. Has anyone here got a leak free Minor?
The old joke I can’t be British if it doesn’t leak, can’t be true can it ?

[rocco]

I read in German somewhere the saying "God save me from wind and rain and cars that are from England" - it rhymes when written in German.

I've come to the opinion that the A-Series will always leak oil although the challenge to prevent it seems a noble one. I have the feeling that if I was ever capable to stop all leaks it would only be a matter of time until the next gasket or seal gives way due to the increased crankcase pressure.

When the catch can/chimney is not serviceable, it seems inevitable that these engines are just leakers.

I do like this idea though but I wonder why nobody, even in China, has mass produced one. viewtopic.php?t=72247

[Myrtles Man]

I read in German somewhere the saying "God save me from wind and rain and cars that are from England" - it rhymes when written in German.

Check the byline of Nickol of this parish...

[philthehill]

My 'A' Series engines do not leak oil and never have done.

[myoldjalopy]

Well, you are a lucky guy, Phil - unless you mean that you fix any leak as soon as you spot one in your engines?

[rocco]

Check the byline of Nickol of this parish...

That might very well be where I read it.

[svenedin]

Phil is of course a great expert in these engines and it does not surprise me in the slightest that his engines do not leak oil at all.

For us mere mortals the age old adage is true: if the engine is not leaking oil there is no oil in it!

Stephen

[philthehill]

I just take great care when building a 'A' Series and if the parts are not right they are rejected and new or good condition S/H parts that are within spec are sourced and fitted.