New Oil Leak — 91 240

[dandeluca]

After nearly a year with virtually no oil leaks my 91 245 has sprung a new one after being seldomly used this winter. It appears to be focused on the rear passenger side of the engine near the coolant drain and above it.

I replaced the rear main seal when I swapped the transmission — I suppose it could have failed but I feel like the oil is coming from higher up. Is there anything obvious I am missing back there near the back passenger side of the engine?

 

[James M]

Rear of the valve cover gasket or rear cam plug would be the first place I'd check

 

[dandeluca]

Yeah I should have replaced the Cam plug when I swapped the cam. Anyone who has done this a time or two have a hint for getting that to seal?

 

[Mylesofsmyles]

Try a 90-degree pick? Or a flathead screwdriver?

Getting one in isnt so bad and maybe consider the IPD (or similar) cam plug retainer

Loosen transmission mount and lift At transmission before it hits trans tunnel. It’ll buy a little more room to work

 

[dandeluca]

I did not even know they sold cam plug retainers. Thanks. I'm going to have to get back between the engine and firewall and see where this is all coming from.

 

[dl242gt]

If you do replace the cam plug. Take off the valve cover and remove bearing cap no. 5. Replace the seal and reinstall bearing cap and torque to 14ftlb. Replace valve cover gasket and you took care of both potential leaks.

Be sure to use a bit of sealant on the area of the cam cap where it contacts the head. At the back where the valve cover gasket goes over the hump. That is another sneaky leak spot.

 

[DD Ranch]

Yeah I should have replaced the Cam plug when I swapped the cam. Anyone who has done this a time or two have a hint for getting that to seal?

I agree with dl2424gt.

I just did this on my 90 245 by removing cam cap 5.

Except I serviced the PCV system first! How is your PCV?

 

[dandeluca]

I took out the borescope (it's tight back there!!) and it is defiantly leaking from the back of the valve cover/cam plug area. The PVC system is good, replaced the box not too long ago. I should have replaced the cap when I swapped the cams and now that is coming back to bite me. Also I never got the new valve cover gasket to seal as well as the old one. Oh well better than a rear main seal!

 

[vwblue1967]

I would go with a volvo valve cover gasket. I used a cheap one once and it looked like it shrunk and leaked pretty bad. Any time I've used the volvo brand it didn't leak.