'04 Disco Oil Leaks

[LeeKelley]

I've had a long To-do list for my Rover for years, and I've never actually gotten down to the "figure out oil leaks" part of that list. Despite my three amigos just coming on (I'll deal with that soon enough), I'm ready to start figuring these leaks out.

Here's the problem: There's oil everywhere. All over the bottom of the engine, all over the sides of the engine, front of the engine... Therefore, I have no idea where to even start?! If I was going to start to do some work and perhaps swap out a few gaskets here and there... where would you guys even start? Any advice? I'm sure if I cleaned it really well, I might be able to see some more specific areas, but I have a fear of spraying it too hard underneath after the last couple times I've ended up with some strange issue after I've done that.

I'd love any thoughts. Thanks in advance!

 

[Bosbefok]

Valve cover gaskets.
Degrease what you can, use a toilet brush and a kitchen brush and your favorite flavor of engine degreaser. Get a UV light and some fluorescent dye (most auto parts stores have kits), the dye goes in the oil and then you search for the leaks using the UV light.
Or just add more oil.

 

[gthphotography]

x2 on the clean the engine and then add the dye.

 

[LeeKelley]

wow... Florescent dye is a damn good idea. Why didn't I think of that?

 

[LeeKelley]

Hey, on those valve cover gaskets... What kind and from where? I think the OEM are some kind of rubber, but I'm not really interested in replacing it with the gasket that has a reputation for leaking. What material would you guys recommend as an "upgrade," and where would I find them?

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[riceybean]

A lot of folks swear by the "right stuff" for the valve covers. Personally I just use the stock ones with a little sealant to help. I don't mind because they are easy to replace if/when they leak.

 

[listerdiesel]

The rocker gaskets have a sealing line moulded (molded) round the middle of the face, and there are steel spacers embedded in the gaskets to stop them being squashed through overtightening.

Ours haven't leaked at all, assemble dry and with care, they are fine. There is a torque specified for the screws, 8 nm, 6 lb ft.

You may fine that using something like a 10W-40 oil makes it 'less leaky'.

Peter

 

[jymmiejamz]

Don't use Right Stuff on the valve cover gaskets, it is a total pain to remove, and you will definitely have to remove them at some point. The main reason they leak is because the rubber seal built into the bolt deteriorates and the bolt will be loose. You can usually slow the leaks by simply tightening the bolts. I've had pretty good luck with removing all of the sealant that is built onto the new bolts, and putting a dab of Right Stuff around the top when I install them. Like all seals, they will eventually leak, but this method has worked well for me. Every mechanic has their own way of doing things though...

You probably have leaking head gaskets and a leaking front cover gasket. You can replace just about every seal and gasket on that motor with it in the car, and its not too terribly expensive. Personally, I would not bother replacing the valve cover gaskets if your intake and head gaskets are leaking as well.