So, of course, in the process of installing the new front drive shaft, I discovered that the undercarriage has been getting the traditional British rustproofing. I am cleaning it up to help look for leaks. Any places in particular that I should pay attention. And I mean everything has a coating.
Leaks
- Thread starter markwemple
- Start date
LOL. Sounds like fun! I think the valve covers are a certain candidate. Just hoping not a front or rear main seal. Any others that are a PITA? The oil pan looks pretty straight forward
The transfer cases do love to leak if you don't watch them like a hawk and keep them maintained; even then they'll leak eventually. That's generally not a big deal, but it's annoying. The rear main seals can go, but the likelihood varies with the vehicle's maintenance and to an extent, the year. The oil pan can leak as well, as noted.
Valve covers are a given. I don't think I've ever seen an aluminum engine that could really hold a seal there.
Any of that can end up dripping down the back of the engine, along the transmission, and getting everywhere. That's why it's imperative on these things to clean it spotless and have a look every day when tracing things. Sometimes it's just plain beyond a person; like my recent leaks that I couldn't diagnose because I couldn't reach them in my condition at the time.
Use the US military leak classification system to determine when to park the vehicle for service. It's almost tailor-made for Land Rovers; but it applies to primary lubricants only.
If you detect coolant, you need to sort it right away. Beyond that, just let Uncle Sam tell you what to do. If drops of lubricant return after cleaning, it's time to find and service the offending part. If it's just a surface film or stain, and it doesn't return quickly after cleaning, worry about something else in the meantime, but certainly get to it eventually.
Once something leaks out of there, it will begin to wick over time. If you keep them dry constantly, Rovers will actually hold their fluids. Years went by before I had any leaks, and only after it was parked for a long time did they appear. If you do replace a seal somewhere, spend a lot of time cleaning the area and mating surfaces in an effort to prevent further wicking, and get a good, calibrated torque wrench.
Most of it isn't critical, but if you really want to button it up, you've got to work your ass off, as the previous owners probably didn't. I bought mine new and stayed on top of it, so it held out for well over a decade. Any used purchase is generally going to have crap piled up under there, though.
Cheers,
Kennith