Any help Tracking Down an Oil Leak? | FerrariChat
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Any help Tracking Down an Oil Leak?

Discussion in '308/328' started by DashingDaryl, Dec 14, 2007.

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  1. DashingDaryl

    DashingDaryl Rookie

    Dec 14, 2007
    6
    #1 DashingDaryl, Dec 14, 2007
    Greetings from Phoenix Arizona! I am a poster from WAY WAY WAY long ago. I just got a new Prancing Horse ('85 308 GTSi QV) and noticed it needed oil.

    Once it was up in the air, it was obvious there was a leak on the driver's side, towards the Firewall, below the Rotor.

    From the top, the engine looks as clean as a bell; from the bottom it looks like the lebrea tar pits.

    Is there a spot somewhere in that region that is notorious for leaks?
     
  2. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

    Oct 29, 2004
    5,379
    NWA
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    Paul
    #2 Artvonne, Dec 14, 2007
    Probably better to ask if there is an area that DONT leak. The answer is likely....no :)

    Below what rotor??? Distributor???
     
  3. jonesdds

    jonesdds Formula 3

    Aug 31, 2006
    2,163
    SB,CA & Park City UT
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    Jeff
    #3 jonesdds, Dec 14, 2007
    La Brea.

    Did you check the oil filter for leaks? Oil cooler lines?
     
  4. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
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    Verell Boaen
    #4 Verell, Dec 14, 2007
    There are several things in that general area that could be the source. Best way to locate it will be to thoroughly clean the area, put a UV dye in the oil & use a UV light to see where it's coming from.

    There are several good threads in the current & old fchat on diagnosing oil leaks. Suggest using search to locate them.
     
  5. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,426
    Tequesta, FL
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    Paul Delatush
    #5 pad, Dec 15, 2007
    If the oil leak has been there for awhile, the general area of the leak will be oily and dirty. Look for the specific spot where the engine is oily and clean. That will be where the leak is generating from (the dripping oil with constantly clean the area directly below the leak).
     
  6. pippo

    pippo Formula 3

    Sep 25, 2005
    1,913
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    pippopotemus
    #6 pippo, Dec 15, 2007
    Right. A steady, constant oil leak will have streaks of CLEANER oil residues/that runs down the area, less gunked up with road grime.
     
  7. DashingDaryl

    DashingDaryl Rookie

    Dec 14, 2007
    6
    #7 DashingDaryl, Dec 20, 2007
    Thank you all for the suggestions. I have to put the project off until after Christmas/New Years and after all the relatives leave for home. It's a bummer to buy a new car, and then have it up on jack stands when people come over to look at it.

    I figure, since I check the oil everytime before I drive it, and since the leak is so small it isn't obvious; she will be fine when I take her to the occasional Christmas party.

    I plan on taking your advice and getting in there and cleaning up all the old oil mess, keeping an eye out for an area that is not "Grimey" but just oily.

    If anyone has any other ideas, feel free to let me know
     
  8. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,320
    UK
    #8 Iain, Dec 20, 2007
    Camshaft oil seal(s) would have to be the favourite candidate....

    I.
     

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