Defender 200tdi Oil Leak Help Please

Needalandy said:

Good morning
I've had an oil leak since I originally bought my Landy but it's not too bad so I've put up with it.
Originally I thought it was oozing out of the front of the sump but I went for a wee run yesterday and had a good poke around and it seems to be coming from the cam drain hole and blowing back onto the sump.

I've got my mot coming up next month and I'm wondering if it will fail because of this , any thoughts?

Also where is the oil likely to be coming from, are there seals in there that are prone to leaking?

And finally, is this difficult to fix ie is it a major dismantling job or could a retired accountant with a decent set of spanner manage it?

Thanks for your responses, as always really appreciated.

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flat said:

I think by cam drain hole he means the hole in the bottom of the timing case - the one you would screw a wading plug in.

It's most likely to be front crank oil seal that's leaking.

It needs to be sorted fairly urgently as the oil can contaminate the timing belt and cause it to snap.

Replacing it it's a fairly involved job as you have to remove most of the gubbins at the front of the engine to fit the new seal. I can't remember if you can change it with the rear plate of the timing cover in place or not.

Doable for a competent home mechanic but not a quick half hour job.

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Turboman said:

If that is what he means, I agree completely. Seal and belt change would be indicated ASAP.

Never heard that described as a cam drain hole before!

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Needalandy said:

Sorry guys yes that's what I meant it's the timing case drain hole which is where the leak is coming from. I will take a look at the write up Flat has suggested and decide whether I can attempt this myself but I can see from your postings that I shouldn't leave this too long.
Thank you for your quick responses. As always you are a helpful bunch.

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