L-series oil leak

Hi guys
It’s been a while since I’ve posted on ere’ and that’s because my hippo has been no problem. I have just clocked up 170k miles from new but fitted a brand new crated engine at 138k. Problem now is that the engine has developed a significant oil leak. When I say significant it looks much worse than it is. The oil seems to be coming from the inlet side and it occurs to me that it might be a turbo oil seal.

Just wondered if any members had any experience of such things? I guess the turbo mileage is about on the limit but I need to be sure that is the problem.

Happyhippo

Hi HH, glad to see the L Series is still giving good, if leaky, service.

Isn't the inlet and exhaust side the same on the L Series?

The induction hose from the intercooler comes across the front of the engine to the plenum where it is joined by the EGR outlet but goes over the top of the engine and down the back which is also where the exhaust comes out.

If it is the turbo, you need to be careful because if it leaks into the induction air it will give you a runaway engine situation!

Mine leaks like a sieve! Its mainly form the oil cooler pipes, which are known to fail and leak on the L Series. But there's also signs where the bell housing meets the block at the bottom, so I may have a main seal issue.

As with yours, there's lots of oil on the engine, where it parks there's a big oil stain on the pavers, and it leave spots where ever it goes - but the oil doesn't hardly go down.

Can you actually see where it is coming from?

Hi Grumpy
I’m aware of the runaway risk and have a large cloth handy to stuff in the intake. As for the leak, it’s difficult to see where it’s coming from but oil is running down the back of the engine, maybe from the breather. A little bit of oil goes a long way!
The reason I posted was that I thought members might know if this was a regular problem with high milers. Everything else (except the aircon) is going well so it would be a shame to scrap the old girl!

When I fitted the new engine I noted the leaky oil cooler pipes and weld repaired them. I replaced all the usual oil seals when I fitted the engine.

I wanted to find out as much as I could before I started dismantling.

Your hippo must have done a similar mileage to mine. Is she still going well?

Mine's done a little less miles than yours, about 150k miles.

Its still going strong, starts on the button and doesn't give any problems. Had to replace the aux belt and drop links recently - but nothing major.

The oil leaks are my main concern. I'd love to take it off the road for a bit, have the engine out and give it a strip down, clean it up and sort the leaks.

It's now part of a 2 car family as we bought a Freelander2 about a year ago. Day to day though it probably still does as many Ks cos I'm now not working from home so use 1 while Mrs Grumpy uses the other.

Not familiar with the L series, is there a feed or return oil feed to the turbo external to the engine?

My TD4 had a leak from the union from the turbo to the pipe that returns oil to the sump and it is of a fair pressure of course and makes a mess !!

Hi Andy
Yes there is an oil return from the turbo at the back of the engine which drains into the sump but no sign of a leak there. Leak seems to be from the top of the engine. Even had me testing the bolt torque on the cam cover and manifolds. I’m thinking oil could be leaking from a turbo oil seal into the induction airway although there is no sign of oil burning in the exhaust.

It looks like I’m going to have to start taking things apart!

Thanks for all your comments. I’ll try and keep you posted

Worth noting, again on TD4 but might be same. The cam cover has studs on bolts to prevent overtightening.

Mine leaked there too!! The cam cover gasket had gone hard and as the bolts couldn't be tightened anymore it leaked.
Replacement of gasket solved problem.