> My MG TD had the typical drip when you shut if off but recently the
> puddle has grown quite large. It is dripping when I drive and it
> rolls out pretty good when you shut it off resulting in an 18" spill
> underneath after the puddle soaks in. I am somewhat concerned that
> it suddenly is leaking more than before.
Best way to tell is to log addition of oil, with date and mileage.
> Should I be using 30 weight oil instead of a multiweight?
That would be closest to what the engine was designed for. Use 30 wt.
unless you are driving in really cold weather (doubtful), then go to 20wt.
> Could
> lightweight oil drip worse than thicker oil?
If it were enough to make a difference your bearings would be at risk of
underlubrication.
> What would cause a
> change? There is a pretty good layer of gray form-a-gasket on the
> pan with only a few thousand miles since a rebuild.
How much of a rebuild, and by how skilled a mechanic? Being able to see a
lot of form-a-gasket sounds like an amature job. As for a sudden change,
most likely a crankshaft seal finally gave out.
>
> Any suggestions?
Clean the engine thoroughly, removing every trance of oil. With car parked
over clean, oil-free cement floor or with a large piece of clean cardboard
on the ground under the engine, start the car. Shut it off as soon as you
see oil leaking. Track down where it is coming from. Repeat several times
to check for multiple sources. Look carefully at front and rear seals, oil
filter, and breather. Rare but possible: a cracked oil pan.
Make sure it is not coming from the transmission.
Any sign of increased oil burning -- black smoke out the tail pipe?
Are the spark plugs fouled with oil?
Don't forget to clean up the oil spill, you don't want it seeping into the
ground.
DO NOT use any of those oil additives that claim to stop leaks.
Gary Dunn
Honolulu
73 BMW E9 (3.0 CS) 2213583 (rust repair research project)
http://e9erust.blogspot.com/
74 Lotus Europa TCS 4654R (on the road)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garydunn808/
_______________________________________________
British-cars mailing list
British-cars@autox.team.net
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/british-cars
|