Oil Leak by starter?

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 4:45 pm

I have been chasing an oil leak on my CRD. I replaced the CCV valve on top of the cam cover since it was seeping anyhow, and replaced the leaking gaskets on the FCV. Both were in fact leaking, though not terribly. I pressure washed the underside and the side of the engine today to trace my leak... I took the CRD out balls to the wall for 2 miles, came home and saw a dribble of oil coming from somewhere between the side of the starter and the bottom bolt of the starter. It is definitely black engine oil. Where in the hell can it be coming from? It is does not appear to be coming from above. I have checked that and felt around and do not believe it to be from there. Could it be a rear main seal? Could be be the EGR above? I do have the ORM, and have since 47K. I am at 96K now. I would think if that were the RMS, it'd come from the bottom of the bell housing. If it is a RMS, I'll get that done and upgrade my TC at the same time since it occasionally shudders in lockup at low speeds under a load. I am leaning towards something with the EGR since that was disassembled and cleaned due to sticking around 89K (the dealer plugged my air flow meter in to rid me of the pesky CEL, trying to be helpful) and after that the EGR was sticking, so it was cleaned. Thanks...

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 5:32 pm

Rear main seal leaks I've seen are at the bottom of the bell housing. EGR or dribble down from intake elbow along EGR pipe or some such are possible. Have you considered UV dye in the oil and a UV light; might let you see what you cannot feel.

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 19, 2013 5:40 pm

I just went out and looked more, took pictures with my iphone, and still could not see anything. Everything was bone dry EXCEPT the wiring harness loom above the starter. I suspect it had oil in it from the FCV leaking oil and spraying everywhere (now fixed). In pressure washing it, it got some oily water, and I *think* that the oil was coming from that, and at speed, it was dripping down. I cleaned it, waited an hour, came back and there was oil on the side of the starter. I pulled down the wiring loom and "drained" what was in it, and used a rag to the best of my ability in that tight area, and I am *hoping* that this was the issue. I really cannot see it coming from any other source. I spent a few hours just trying to track it down, and came back with this.... I will update in a few days.

CATCRD · **Posted:** Sun Oct 20, 2013 9:15 pm

Did you see the thread last week where the guy had a cracked block leaking in that exact area? I hope it's not that.

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:24 am

CATCRD wrote:

Did you see the thread last week where the guy had a cracked block leaking in that exact area? I hope it's not that.

Nope, but it crossed my mind. I checked carefully and felt around and do not see any signs of oil leakage or dampness anywhere except from the wiring loom directly above the starter. It was leaking oil from the FCV gasket between the front flange and the FCV. That was just fixed, so I suspect it was residual left in the harness. I drained and cleaned the harness as best I could and will monitor. I sure as hell hope it is not te block. I Just went out and started it for the first time since I cleaned it up. I let it idle for a few minutes then took off down the highway, about 7 miles total. After warmed up I went balls to the wall with it, came back and let it idle a couple minutes. Got underneath it while still idling and it was good and hot, and no leaks! Everything under there is drier than a popcorn fart, thank goodness. I'll be driving it roughly hundred miles today for work. I'll report back later on. I think it is alright though.

MRausch82 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 21, 2013 3:50 pm

Drove roughly 100 miles today. Everything is dry. No more leak. Problem solved.

Oil Leak by starter?

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