Mk3 1.4 oil leak

[Sonic2]

So, i've replaced the sump gasket thinking the leak was coming from there (and the offside track rod end in the process as it was siezed up and needed to get it off to get the driveshaft out of the way of the sump bolts) but its still leaking.

I did an oil change at the same time, filter has been tightened up fully, as has the sump plug.

from where its landing on the floor, it looks like its leaking from the offside somewhere.

kinda loosing patience with it now 

Anyone got any ideas? 

[MowatGTI]

Not sure if the 1.4 has an oil cooler, but it could be leaking from it.

My Gti is.

The cooler is the housing that the oil filter attaches to.

There is a nut (27mm I think) that can work its way loose.

Best thing to do is to degrease the whole area as best you can, then run your car and look to see where it is leaking.

[Sonic2]

Dont think I have an oil cooler on mine, as its the most basic engine in the mk3 range, but i'll check it out.

its almost like its leaking from higher up the engine and leaking down, but where from, I cant tell, with all the belts/pulleys in the way.

Definately oil too, coolant appears to be ok. Didnt see any cracks on the bas of the engine when the sump gasket was replaced, so that rules the very bottom part of the engine out.

[gtigolfthree]

As mentioned above, get the steam cleaner on the engine and then it will be easier to see where the leak is coming from.

[Sonic2]

I have given it a jetwash once, but didnt want to risk getting water in the plugs/ignition 

I have a bad feeling its going to be an engine out job, not sure why, but with the way my lucks been going recently... lol

[Sonic2]

ok, so from my understanding so far, the leak is worse when the engine is running.

so, if the leak was for example, coming from the end of the camshaft, is that a big job?

I am just looking at possabilities right now...

[Ashley]

take a look at the oil pressure sensor, on top of the block at the back;





quite common apparently and the way the oil goes down the back can be quite misleading

costs about £12 for a genuine sensor from VW

[axewielder]

+1 oil pressure sensor, mine was pissing oil all over the place, couldnt work it out for ages as it was getting oil everywhere

[Sonic2]

Fingers crossed and thanks for the heads up 

I am going to check that today!

I'm guessing theres a seal underneath it (similar to the reversing light switch) that just gives up after a while.

[axewielder]

lol not quite, there is a copper washer but thats not usually the problem, it usualy makes its way up and out between the plastic top+the spade connector