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Re: TR4A Unusual Engine Oil Leaks

To: "Amatruda, Andy" <aamatruda@email.mc.ti.com>
Subject: Re: TR4A Unusual Engine Oil Leaks
From: Joe Curry <curry@wolfenet.com>
Date: Fri, 03 Oct 1997 18:41:54 -0700
Cc: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
Organization: Curry Enterprises
References: <2D7E54F78ED0D011BDE000805FFE1FE92A34D4@atmail3.mc.ti.com>
Amatruda, Andy wrote:
> 
> This is my first time writing to the list (after almost 2 years of
> reading) and I find it kind of funny to request help on something as
> seemingly common as an oil leak especially with our cars.  However, in
> the last month I began to notice larger than usual "territorial
> markings" as Greg P. fondly calls them.  Then when my oil pressure
> started acting funny and I found I was suddenly down 2 quarts I began to
> get concerned.  I filled the oil, power washed the engine, ran it for a
> short while and parked it.  The next day I found a large puddle of oil
> looking to come from the rear lip of the pan, but the spot was too large
> to really tell exactly where it started.   Out with the Speedi Dry to
> clean up and try again.  This time I also took a hard look at the
> recently cleaned engine. To my surprise (horror) I found lots of oil
> forcing it's way out of the small breather hole in the cap of the alloy
> valve cover and also out of the dip stick hole.  Although the back of
> the oil pan may leak, it also seems to be just the place where the oil
> collects when the car is moving.
> 
> The recent thread on PCV valves making me wonder if I have some type of
> internal pressure problem.  I took apart the PCV valve (mine has the
> spring in tact), cleaned it, and reassembled it although it looked fine
> relative to the manual.  I also did a compression check getting 140,
> 150, 140, 120 psi.  I changed the head 2 years ago with a VB "No Lead"
> head.  Although #4 cylinder does seem a little suspect, I don't
> understand the mechanism that would pressurize the crankcase and/or the
> valve cover area.  However, I could easily believe that something is
> forcing the oil out to lose this much oil so quickly. At the rate I am
> losing oil I am afraid to drive the car.
> 
> Has anyone out there experienced similar problems or more importantly
> can anyone suggest a solution?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Andy Amatruda
> 
> 1967 TR4A IRS
> Attleboro, MA

I suggest you take the car to a mechanic that can perform a cylindar
leakdown test and see how much blow-by you are getting.  I have
experienced a similar problem with a Spitfire 1500 when I accidently put
a highly milled (over 150 thousands)head on top of high compression
pistons.  Yikes 260-265 pounds of compression.

Joe Curry    '63 Spit


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