Getting back on the road

[James_N]

Hi All,

my car has been off the road for some 9 months now with a few problems but since cleaning throttle body is now running fine.

Ive managed to get mates rates on some front brakes and tyres so having that done next week before its MOTed and hopefully passes.

I have noticed an oil leak under the car however. Its always had a slight leak from the bottom rad hose that goes into the block (suspect rocker cover gasket?), however, i have noticed the underside of the car is rather coated now after being parked for so long. I suspect this is the sump gasket but wanted
conformation from the knowledgeable people here.

I have attached the pictures from underneath the car. Is this an MOT fail? I was planning to jetwash it off before MOT and then investigate if (when!) it passes hopefully.

If it is the sump gasket, how easy is this to change?

I'm happy the car is running soundly now after cleaning throttle body and new dizzy cap / rotor arm.

Many thanks
James

[James_N]

Pictures

[Forrest]

If it’s coming down past the water pump it may be the front camshaft seal. These often fail. Have a close look at the rubber gasket between the top of the water pump and the block. If this is covered in oil then what I’ve suggested is quite likely. Eventually the oil will rot out this gasket too.

If it’s not that, then there are also front seals on the intermediate shaft and crank shaft but I’ve never had a problem with those.

The root cause for oil leaks is often a blocked oil breather. In my experience always the small vacuum hose from the inlet manifold to the plastic y-piece.

[James_N]

Is this the pcv system? I've read about this over the past few days. I don't have much of an idea about renewing it but after my success at cleaning throttle body and idle valve. I'd like to give it a go assuming it passes its mot of course and there is nothing else untoward

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by James_N

Is this the pcv system? I've read about this over the past few days. I don't have much of an idea about renewing it but after my success at cleaning throttle body and idle valve. I'd like to give it a go assuming it passes its mot of course and there is nothing else untoward

That oil leak doesn't look excessive to me James so i don't see it should fail the MoT on that. As Forrest says, i'd be inclined to look at the PCV system and clean it out as described in loads of places on the forum but if you need reminding, i'm sure that can be arranged!

Also consider renewing the rocker cover gasket if you can see oil just below the rocker cover.

Definitely worth checking the camshaft front oil seal as suggested as well, if oil gets on the timing belt then it could cause teeth to strip, the belt to rot or even for the belt to jump - all have the same, very grim end result!

I'm glad you're getting it sorted anyway!

[James_N]

I'm close to getting the car MOTed and back on the road now.

I'd like to get the hoses in the engine bay sorted as most are looking a bit past their best now. I noticed when i cleaned the throttle body that the hoses that come from the throttle body are cracked and when i pulled the hoses from the throttle body, the ends snapped, but i had enough hose left to put them back.

I'd like to kit it out with silicone hoses for as much as i can and i was wondering if there was a list of hose widths somewhere and lengths so i can order the appropriate lengths and widths and just do it bit by bit. i think one of the throttle body hoses is 6.6mm? would love to kit it all out in blue silicone hoses!

Thanks
James

[Laird Scooby]

Which hoses from the throttle body James? Not the ones that go to the idle control valve by any chance?

As for silicone hoses :

http://www.autosiliconehoses.com/

If they don't do it, it probably doesn't exist! I think they often look for cars to use as templates to create new ranges of complete kits, you may be lucky if you can get the car or even the hoses to them, they may do the full set for you at a very good price.

That said i might be thinking of another manufacturer but have a look anyway!

[James_N]

Thanks Dave i'll have to take a photo of the hoses in question.

Id love to kit the car out in do88 hoses but as it will never be a show winner, i want to do it cheaper but still add some colour to the engine bay and just generally make it a bit tidier, more reliable with nice new hoses, and cheer the old girl up a bit!

ASH hoses look good but i dont see that they do car kits but as you say, if i sent mine in, would they make some up?

Thanks
James

[Laird Scooby]

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/...f794c773010d16

[Laird Scooby]

Can't find the manufacturer James, did find those on PFV, they also have a section for cars with A/C, you could probably find most, if not all, the hoses you need?