Smell of Oil in the Cabin

[DreadedDev 0]

Hi,

Having just brought my VR6 Golf (auto) from one of the members on here, I have found that there is smell of oil in cabin. On further inspection I could see a collection of oil behind the engine block just to the right of where the exhaust gases go out into the exhaust system (I can take a photo later if needed) I have moped it up the best I could and if I'm been generous then that could be down to someone being heavy handed when filling the oil up and overshooting it.

Looking closely at the engine block there does seem to be a slight leakage of oil from the gasket on the left side of the engine (just above where the grooved belts (alternator etc) are.... I assume this is the head gasket, is a small leakage from here normal or does the head gasket need doing? If it does, how much should I be expecting from an independent? If not could anyone suggest anything else to look for and likely causes of the smell? There doesn't appear to be any white deposits on the oil filler cap and it doesn't smoke once warmed up..... As stated I'm a newbie to VR6's so excuse my igronance.......

Thanks

Ian *-)

[thegoth 5]

Hi and welcome.

As you say it could be bad aim when topping up oil or the rocker cover gasket has failed. Not too difficult a job to replace. Wait to see if the oil returns

oil weeping from the HG near the air filter is not uncommon and nothing to be immediately concerned about.

At that end of the engine there is there should be a breather pipe back to the air intake with an oil trap. These are a bit fragile and can crack leading to escaping oil fumes. Or get replaced with 'Redbull' oil catchers.

[DreadedDev 0]

Thanks... I'll keep you posted as to if the oil returns,,,

[DreadedDev 0]

Update - Oil has returned!! And more worringly after a very short blast to the local shop there was smoke coming from the exhaust bit (the bit where the manifold (i think that's what it's called) goes into the rest of the exhaust system), now I'm seriously worried it's going to catch fire whilst driving it home (~10 miles)..... do you think this is a) likely and cuased by the rocker cover?? thanks ....... :-|

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Photo's?

[DreadedDev 0]

unfortunatly I'm at work and haven't got my camera with me.... will see if I can get someone with a camera phone....

[MJ Vr6 79]

Most of the time a leak like that would be the R/cover..

Not a difficult job, Take you about 1hour n half tops to do!

[DreadedDev 0]

this is where the smoke was coming out of....

it's collecting next to it...... you can sort of see in this photo.... sorry my camera phone is sh!t3

[DreadedDev 0]

is there a guide somewhere of how to change the rocker cover?? and is it likely to catch fire on the way home.... don't want to die trying.....

[VR6Pete 1,455]

sounds like something is dripping onto the manifold, is that oil to the right of where you have highlighted on the picture?

What is the rocker gasket like?

[DreadedDev 0]

yeah that is the oil there.... excuse me being a bit thick.... but where is the rocker gasket?

[DreadedDev 0]

From the front (and with the plastic cover still on) i can't see any oil near the top of the engine..... which is where i guess the rocker cover woudl be....

[VR6Pete 1,455]

your rocker cover is under the manifold, you will see the ends of it to the left and right of the manifold, more than likely a dull metal colour (on earlier VR's) or black plastic on later VR's... the gasket will be between the cover and the head, run your finger along the gasket see if there's any oil, it has to be dripping down, it could also perhaps could be coming from the chain tensioner bolt or timing chain cover...

[thegoth 5]

as for the fire risk: it's obviously not a new problem and it hasn't gone up in smoke yet!

[DreadedDev 0]

Thanks for the comments, and i did get home without BBQ'ing myself last night.... I think the leak is definitely lower down in the engine and hopefully the linked video should show this.....

Oil leak video

I also took some images....

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4556718719_d82ce32558.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4557348094_28c41c9c9a.jpg

If the leak is low, what is it likely to be??

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Glad you didnt BBQ yourself! Looking at the photos and video its not exactly clear where the oil is coming from i'm afraid. can you get your car on any ramps to view from underneath perhaps?

As I say, the only thing I can think of over that way is the chain tensioner bolt, and timing chain cover leaking...

[DreadedDev 0]

Okay well thanks, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet (and find some cash) and take it to our local garage (who is actually very good and not some cowboy outfit).... I'll tell him to check that as a first port of call, I was worried it might be something fatal like a crack in the engine block or something like that.... but from the sounds of what you are saying that is (hopefully) unlikely..... I'll let you know how i get on..... I don't have any ramps but I do have axle stands, however I could probably spend hours poking around and still have no joy as I'm no mechanic..... At standstill and reving the engine there was no sign of oil dripping from anywhere that you could see from above, so I'm thinking is could be something to do with the tranmission etc and it only leaks when in gear? would that tie up with your suggestions??

[VR6Pete 1,455]

the oil looks quite clear in the photos, I think you'd know if it was gearbox oil over engine oil I think

[DreadedDev 0]

NO i don't think it's gearbox oil as its not that pngent smell, also it's an auto... but it doesn't look red at all, so it's not ATF, but was wondering if it any of the other sort of moving parts that don't move when your stationary.... would movement effect the timing chain cover and/or tensioner bolt?? like i said, I'm not much of a mechanic so please excuse me if my questions sound a bit thick!!!

[DreadedDev 0]

Update - have taken it to the mechanics who thinks it's anti-freeze and not oil... (i did say i wasn't much of a mechanic) and has found where it is leaking from... all free of charge as well, so happy days!! He said that he reckoned you'd only get the part from a VW dealer but before i get online and check i need to know what the pipe is called.... so.. can anyone help me name this part....

or click here

if you can't see or click on the above it's the hose that has a connector to another hose and the connector is where it is split... directly above where the exhaust goes out of the engine bay... hence the smoke the other day!! just need to know what it's called now!!

[thegoth 5]

It's quite common. Your man is right VW only for specific hoses. I'm sure someone with EKTA will supply a part number. You can also buy a aluminium joint if the pipe has split there and there is enough good pipe to cut back. Or else Samco do entire hose replacement kits. Rally Design seem to be the cheapest.

[craggsy 91]

Which hose asi can't see pic on phone. I have a few kicking around

[thegoth 5]

Which hose asi can't see pic on phone. I have a few kicking around

the usual one: block to heater matrix with the spur off to throttle body

[DreadedDev 0]

it's the one with the T-Connector on it that contains anti freeze and is at the top near the back of the engine bay..... the pics are on Flickr at ..

[DreadedDev 0]

Thanks @ The Goth.... so much more useful than my lame description!!