R33 Oil Leak

[SargeRX8]

Hey all

Ive discovered an oil leak. When the car was in the drive way and I moved it out noticed a droplet on the floor no more than a drop or two at most, so I payed attention to the next spot I parked and noticed the same thing after an overnight park, a drop or two in the same spot. They are dripping from the front of the bellhousing on the gearbox. I tried to follow the leak but that is not possible. I did find a point of leak though, the last screw on the passenger side rocker cover, nearest the firewall, had a trail of oil coming out of it. A fresh wet trail. I wiped it up went for a drive and parked it. Next day same spot had a fresh new trail. I tightened up that screw as it was loose. Today noticed another fresh trail so I wiped it up degreased the bottom of the car and gonna see how long it takes for the drips to get down again. I can't see anything underneath the car. I can do a comp test to see if the headgasket is good but there are no other symptoms. I think the problem is either the rocker cover gasket, the half moon or the rear main seal which I stupidly f**king forgot to change when I did my clutch.

Anyone able to suggest other points to check and how I can actually get a look? I tried wiping the half moon but all I got was black crud on the tissue and too hard to see oil so I cleaned it up and will wait til tomorrow.

[34GeeTeeTee]

Hey all

Ive discovered an oil leak. When the car was in the drive way and I moved it out noticed a droplet on the floor no more than a drop or two at most, so I payed attention to the next spot I parked and noticed the same thing after an overnight park, a drop or two in the same spot. They are dripping from the front of the bellhousing on the gearbox. I tried to follow the leak but that is not possible. I did find a point of leak though, the last screw on the passenger side rocker cover, nearest the firewall, had a trail of oil coming out of it. A fresh wet trail. I wiped it up went for a drive and parked it. Next day same spot had a fresh new trail. I tightened up that screw as it was loose. Today noticed another fresh trail so I wiped it up degreased the bottom of the car and gonna see how long it takes for the drips to get down again. I can't see anything underneath the car. I can do a comp test to see if the headgasket is good but there are no other symptoms. I think the problem is either the rocker cover gasket, the half moon or the rear main seal which I stupidly f**king forgot to change when I did my clutch.

Anyone able to suggest other points to check and how I can actually get a look? I tried wiping the half moon but all I got was black crud on the tissue and too hard to see oil so I cleaned it up and will wait til tomorrow.

If it has been leaking that quickly it sounds like that is your problem! Start by fixing the known leaks and keeping it washed down! Process of elimination!

Should ALWAYS do the seal when you do a clutch as a habit! I even do the gearbox seals as its the perfect time!

Get the new seals and replace ASAP!

[SargeRX8]

It was something stupid I forgot. Like when I did my timing belt and forgot the cam seals. I took the belt off to change the cam seals but the gearbox is a pain in the arse to take off. Gonna get the rocker cover gasket ordered, change the moons and hope that fixes it. If only there was a way to see inside the box if there is oil in there.

[jjman]

Mine was similar to this and only ended up being the cam cover gaskets as is quite common in RB's.

Easy job to do at home.

Do it. Degrease. See if oil is still coming from somewhere.

Problem solved!

[SargeRX8]

Awesome. Did you change the leaky side or both? I'm thinking of just doing the suspect leaky one.

[iruvyouskyrine]

The rubber rocker cover seals usually come together, and the half moons cost maybe $6 each? If it was me I would do both for peace of mind (which is exactly what I just did on my car). If you do the half moons make sure you use liquid gasket where the half moons sit.

[SargeRX8]

Just checked it this morning no oil seeping out. Started the car and about 10 mins in a fresh trail from the same screw and the half moon of the exhaust rocker. Gonna drop by ford spares see if the nissan chaps have anything in stock. Ill do both as id hate to pull it all apart again of the other gives way.

[jjman]

yeah you need to do both for sure and the half moons.

The other toss up is whether or not to replace all the rubbet screw sockets too. Depending on age they are all squashed and rock hard. But i think most people get away with reusing them...

[boostn0199]

If only there was a way to see inside the box if there is oil in there.

Youll know if it starts to make yout clutch slip.

[vifer]

talcum powder is your friend for chasing oil leaks. Degrease, clean around the repaired or suspect areas and sprinkle some baby powder around the engine. Paying close attention to the suspect areas. You'll soon know where the leak is coming from.

why dont we have the UV oil dye that the Seppos have for this stuff?

Edited May 29, 2013 by vifer

[SargeRX8]

Should I go genuine or aftermarket.