My engine has developed a small but steady trickle of oil from the interface between the head and block, at the lug that is at the back of the drivers side bank.

 

It only leaks when the engine is running and takes about a minute before the oil starts to appear, and then weep down the block...

 

I have tightened the m6 bolt than fastens the head to the block in this lug but this hasn't cured it.

 

Has any one seen this before and is there a solution that doesn't involve pulling the head off? :(

 

So frustrating!!

Could something like this help? http://www.frost.co.uk/car-autobody-blasting-soda-blaster/automotive-gaskets-sealers-tools/oyltite-stik-seals-oil-leaks-thread-sealer.html

Where exactly do you mean? Also are you 100% sure where the leak is coming from?

I think he means the half moon seals on the cam cover. That part is a sealant job not a gasket. If the seal has failed , short of plugging some how, which will be near impossible due to the oil it`s a plenum off job to reseal. If you`re doing that then it`s worth replacing both the camshaft and half moons also obviously re sealing the side covers. Not a hard job just very time consuming.

Could something like this help? http://www.frost.co.uk/car-autobody-blasting-soda-blaster/automotive-gaskets-sealers-tools/oyltite-stik-seals-oil-leaks-thread-sealer.html

 

Be interesting to see if this works though!

I think he means the half moon seals on the cam cover. That part is a sealant job not a gasket. If the seal has failed , short of plugging some how, which will be near impossible due to the oil it`s a plenum off job to reseal. If you`re doing that then it`s worth replacing both the camshaft and half moons also obviously re sealing the side covers. Not a hard job just very time consuming.

 

That what I was thinking or the Vtc ones, they tend to leak. Mine did the half moons rotted or shrunk and had to be replaced. Did it when the engine was out.

I`ve done mine before, If you need help or advice regarding this feel free. Canvey`s not far from me. We may have met I think. Did you buy my old spoiler off me?

Hi guys, thanks for all the comments and suggestion. Sorry if my description of the location was vague - I didn't know how to describe it! Defo not the half moon cam seal, it's defo leaking at the junction between the head and the block - seeping out where the head gasket is. So it's Almost certainly the head gasket at fault, but it's a weird failure mechanism.... I had a look at one of my spare heads and there is a large oil return gallery that runs near the "lug", so that so probably the source...

 

What I can't fathom is why the gasket would fail there as it's low pressure - nowhere near the combustion chamber or fire rings.

 

I tried to take a photo with my ihone but it was un- unusable. I'll try to find a relevant picture and post it for context....

Santa, thanks for the offer! I believe I did buy your spoiler - it's hanging in the workshop where it's been ever since - always just one weekend away from being fitted ;)

 

M

 

 

This is where the leak is coming from.

 

M