Potential purchase - couple of oil leaks

[Marc1302]

Very interested in purchasing a 68 P1800S. Saw one today which seemed a good price. Two areas of concern.
1) oil was visible at the bottom (of what I think is the sump - front of the engine bay, in the middle...sitting on what looks like a large bolt head)....wet but not dripping.
2) quite a bit more oil showing further back, I'd say under where the dashboard starts - gear/overdrive??

So, what are thesd likely to be? And would they put up a big red flag...or are they likely to be liveable with (at least in the short term)?

Thanks
Marc

[Burdekin]

Crankshaft seals most likely. If that is all that is wrong than not a big issue. Rust is the big thing with P1800’s and they aren’t easy to fix and body parts are expensive. Get someone who knows what to look for look at the car, you don’t want to buy a P1800 with a bodged body and full of filler.

[Marc1302]

Thanks Burdekin. Do you thknk both are likely to be crankshaft seals. One of them is very far back in the engine bay, almost underneath where the dashboard would be? Couple of patches of rust visible around the sills. Looked minor

[old fart]

Your big bolt head is the drain plug, may need a new washer. Gearbox/ overdrive leaks are common, at least on my cars! I've had them overhauled and they still leak. I give up, and top up.

[Marc1302]

Thanks. What gear box oil would you recomend?
And engine oil!?

[Burdekin]

Originally Posted by Marc1302

Thanks Burdekin. Do you thknk both are likely to be crankshaft seals. One of them is very far back in the engine bay, almost underneath where the dashboard would be? Couple of patches of rust visible around the sills. Looked minor

There's one at the front lower of the engine and one at the rear lower section of the engine. Common areas where they leak. Original spec is a felt seal, you can get a neoprene seal now but they aren't good quality the current ones.

Rust is always worse than what it appears. If you're serious about the car get someone qualified to inspect it on a ramp and give you a report. It will be worth every penny. There are a lot of rusty bodged P1800s out there.

[old fart]

Originally Posted by Marc1302

Thanks. What gear box oil would you recomend?
And engine oil!?

I use EP90 gear oil and a 20/50 engine oil, Duckhams is a good one.
As for the rusty bits, I would do as advised, there are rust traps all round the 1800s, and I'm sure you could find someone knowledgeable, in one of the clubs, who would go to see it with you.
Good luck, Andy'

[CLIVERALLY]

Without cleaning the engine and box tracing a leak is difficult.The leak could be as simple as the rocker gasket at the bulkhead end seeping, the sump nut washer, the fuel pump mateing to the block....or as other have suggested. Oil leaks and old cars go together.So I would not be alarmed at this stage.I would echo others, if you have not got a background in mechanics or a knowledge then take someone who does. Also I would have it MOT'd
it's the best money you will spend ..mind I would say that as an MOT tester and mech .

[amazon69]

The last thing to worry about on an 1800 is a bit of oil underneath. Check the body, if that's good, crack on.