MAJOR OIL LEAK!!!! WHATS WRONG!!!??

[matsk1]

I am in need of some help.  My Mk1 gti cab is not holding its oil.  It is dripping from under the bonnet parallel to the passenger side wheel/suspension.  It dumped all the oil after a long journey and everytime I refill it drips straight out again.  PLEEESE HELP, I hope it is not an expensive problem.  What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket???

[gibby]

One of the main symptoms of a blown head gasket is that the car temp gauge goes into the red after about two minutes & sometimes (not always) there's a mayo like substance around your oil filler cap. Your oil leak maybe something simple like the sump plug not on tight enough or the sump plug washer has broken.

You need to get under the car and look around at where the oil is coming from, it might be just a seal somewhere that's gone.

[matsk1]

Thanks...the temp is fine until the oil runs out...it is leaking slower now so could it be due to the long journey?..clear motorways all the way and all that.

I have traced the leak and it appears to be coming from the air intake!!! This is definately not normal! why would there be oil in the airbox???

[BobbyT]

mine used to piss oil out from the crank shaft oil seal which is near the cam belt! i think its a bit of a weak point! 

[Agreeable Slick]

Sounds like the crankshaft seals to me, which would mean whipping the bottom off and replacing them.

[matsk1]

Thanks guys, I'll have a look.

[kraM]

Hi

If it is a 1800, the oil breather system is sh1t. the breather that cames from the crankcase to the air box blocks up, causing oil to pi** out every where.  Take the breather pipe off, clean it in hot soapy water and poke out/clean the bit where it goes into the block.  Re-fill with oil, cross ya finger and run it for half an hour, checking it often, if it's all right go for a gentle drive and still check it.
If it still leaks, unfortantly slick#13 is right, gearbox off, clutch/flywheel off and change the main seals.  (expensive if you have to pay someone else to do it)

Hope this helps

kraM

[richandhazel]

Thanks...the temp is fine until the oil runs out...it is leaking slower now so could it be due to the long journey?..clear motorways all the way and all that.

I have traced the leak and it appears to be coming from the air intake!!! This is definately not normal! why would there be oil in the airbox???

It is usual to find a small amount of oil in your airbox. A lot of oil would indicate that the engine is breathing very heavily which means you are pressurising the crankcase. This can be caused by a loss of compression in one or more cylinders.

What doesn't tie in with ^^^^^ is your first statement that it drips out as soon as you pour the oil in. I can't see how it would find its way into your airbox until you start the car. In that case, you need to keep looking as its obviously leaking elsewhere as already suggested.