NON-typical Rover leak

[rover30076]

I realize that this may be an impossible diagnosis without being able to see the problem, but I will describe as best as possible, maybe someone has had the same issue.

97, D1, I have "something" all over the front of the motor and belt driven accessories. I say something because I am not sure whether I have a coolant leak and its cleaning the oil and other grime off of the motor, or whether I actually do have an oil leak. Either way, I can smell a faint coolant odor. As you can imagine, being on the front of the motor it's being slung by the fan, pulleys and belt, making the source tough to pinpoint.

The oil level is relatively unchanged over the last 900 miles (just made a two-day, 850 mile trip), maybe lost a 1/4 of a quart. The oil was changed just prior to the trip. Not sure how much, if any, coolant I have lost.

My first fear was heads, but I can't detect any water in the oil, and the motor still runs very strong - even when pushed, and doesn't get hot.

I am waiting for the engine to cool to degrease it and try to find out what the issue is. Any input is appreciated.

 

[jmoore]

My first thought, would be like you said, coolant. Rover radiators are notorious for going bad. Coolant in aluminum blocks gets acidic over time. Tho' it could also be a power steering leak too. What color is it? Oil=black, coolant=green or orange, PS= red.

If you want to try this, taste it, just not alot!!! Coolant tastes sicky sweet. Then wash your mouth out! And you can 'feel' the glycerin on your fingers. It's a different feel than oil, I don't know else how to discribe it.

 

[Andrew Homan]

Maybe a water pump leak and the coolant is being blown back by the fan

typically head gaskets will have other symptoms. If everything is still running good it may be simple don't over diagnose

Cheers Andy 95 d1

 

[rover30076]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your thoughts - and am really happy to hear that you agree that it's probably not the heads.

As far as the color, like I said it is pretty hard to tell, it isn't pooling anywhere (yet). It's just "old oil brown", but that is probably from the crap all over the motor - becuase I just changed the oil, it's clean and synthetic. I know I have a PS leak, have for some time, but I don't think this is Trans oil, not enough red.

Not real crazy about tasting it either, but if the degreasing doesnt diagnose the problem, maybe I will give it a try.

Does the overflow tank cap depressurize the system as the motor cools? I am wondering if it is bad and the system gets to operating temps its allowing the coolant out?

 

[Ron]

front crank seal. Replace evap hoses