Oil leak problem | FerrariChat
Buy

Oil leak problem

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by pad, Feb 3, 2005.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,426
    Tequesta, FL
    Full Name:
    Paul Delatush
    #1 pad, Feb 3, 2005
    1983 308 QV - I have an unusual engine oil leak that shows up only when the car is run hard on the track, yet it does not appear during regular street use. First of all, I should describe the related mods. There is an Accusump, 4 breather lines (1 from each end of the valve covers), a custom oil catch/ separator mounted on the firewall with a mounted breather filter on top along with a hose to the throttle body intake tube.

    After each run, oil appears to be sprayed all over the left rear engine compartment, covering the coolant tank. I also find a 2" dia. puddle underneath the engine, dripping off the left engine mount. At first, I thought it was the rear main, however, when I changed the clutch, there was no evidence of oil leakage whatsoever. I have check the obvious – oil breather hoses, clamps, etc. I did some reading about the Krank Vent, however with 4 vent hoses, that could be rather pricey, especially if that did not do the trick. I’ve had the car on a lift after street driving, and while the bottom is not dry, the rest of the engine is. Any thoughts out there?
     
  2. bwassam

    bwassam Formula Junior

    Jan 3, 2005
    635
    North Bend, Oregon
    Full Name:
    Robert Wassam
    #2 bwassam, Feb 3, 2005
    Sounds like you may have an hose problem. Is your dry sump connected by hoses? The higher RPM's of track day may cause higher pressures in one of the hoses. It only takes a pin hole to cause a problem.

    Bob Wassam
     
  3. WDR328

    WDR328 Formula 3

    Dec 11, 2003
    1,476
    The Bugscuffle Inn
    Full Name:
    D. Rose
    #3 WDR328, Feb 3, 2005
    I might be a bit out on this one as I have never owned a 308, but on the 328's there is a "2 way" valve between the engine and the trans. which is designed to allow excess pressure to vent from one to the other. In the event the valve fails then oil is blown all over the drivers side of the engine-in some instances visible smoke appears because it is on the exhaust header. The result is a rather large puddle of oil on the floor. This apparently only occurs when the car is driven hard. Have your mechanic check this out and see if this valve is on the 308's. Not a diagnosis just a suggestion from previous experience.
     
  4. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,426
    Tequesta, FL
    Full Name:
    Paul Delatush
    #4 pad, Feb 4, 2005
    Can you tell me exactly there this 2 way valve is located? I do not see it in either the 308 or 328 shop manuals.
     
  5. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    #5 pma1010, Feb 4, 2005
    The trans has a vent near the bell housing. At the track there's a lot of pressure build up as the oil gets v hot. Vent the trans to a catch tank.
    Philip
     
  6. KurtK328

    KurtK328 Formula Junior

    Mar 6, 2001
    347
    Villeneuve-Loubet, France
    Full Name:
    Kurt Kjelgaard
    #6 KurtK328, Feb 4, 2005
    Philip is right - the breather vent valve for the transmission
    leaks (transmission)oil when engine is run hard.
    Can be easily fixed by removing the vent cap
    (left rear wheel off, inner fender out) with a pair of pliers.
    Fit length of rubber hose to the remaining part of vent valve,
    route up and then down along the suspension tower.
    Should fix the problem.
    I even think that there are several threads with pictures on the subject.
     
  7. pad

    pad Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,426
    Tequesta, FL
    Full Name:
    Paul Delatush
    #7 pad, Feb 4, 2005
    I have already "hosed" the trans vent, but thanks for the reply. Any other thoughts? At this point, I think I will tape clear saranwrap around the various hoses and take the car for a hard run. This should reveal any hose leaks. There was mentioned in another thread about a oil additive that shows up leaks via a black light. Anyone know more about this product?
     

Share This Page