One day I will cure this stupid oil leak (RRC 200TDi in a Defender). The bottom half of my engine and gearbox is covered in the stuff, yet it only drips a tiny amount on the driveway.

It only leaks when it has been running.

The leak seems to be coming from the oil filter side of the engine (drivers side).

It isn't coming from the rocker cover - everything is clean as a whistle this high up in the engine bay, but once you get into the lift pump/oil filter area, it is absolutely drenched in oil. This is then dripping down onto the propshaft, around the gearbox and, when running, is splashing onto the cross member, the handbrake drum and further back...my rear diff!!

I've steamed cleaned it to try and work out what the crack is but to no avail.

I'm now in a predicament; It's not far off ready for a Service and my UJ's need sorting (thus giving me more access to the oil filter), so do I do an oil change now and swap the filter (risk losing more oil through the leak), or do I rip the engine out and try and fathom where the leak is coming from which would mean I need an engine crane? I'm sure it's coming from the rear of the engine, near the bulkhead...but which part, I don't know. I really am getting that desperate to sort it out.

I wouldn't mind someone popping over to have a second opinion if anyone is local? Or if anyone can give me some pointers, that would be much appreciated.

NB - Oil filter is on tight.

Arghhhhhhh!!!!

Thanks

Could it be rear crank oil seal and is coming out between the bellhousing and engine??

I'm guessing that;s a engine / gear box out job isn't it?

Grrrr