Oil Leak

[CHAZ2]

I have an oil leak when the engine is running ie.when it,s under pressure,from what appears to be a plug screwed uphill into a casting on the side of the engine just by the anti roll bar.This is on the left hand side of the engine looking from the back.The "plug" is hexagonal and about 30mm across the flats.It looks as though there may be a washer or gasket under the head of the plug which has failed.What is this component - does it just unscrew - is it an easy DIY to fix it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[Loren]

I have an oil leak when the engine is running ie.when it,s under pressure,from what appears to be a plug screwed uphill into a casting on the side of the engine just by the anti roll bar.This is on the left hand side of the engine looking from the back.The "plug" is hexagonal and about 30mm across the flats.It looks as though there may be a washer or gasket under the head of the plug which has failed.What is this component - does it just unscrew - is it an easy DIY to fix it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

This? (oil pressure relief valve)

[CHAZ2]

I have an oil leak when the engine is running ie.when it,s under pressure,from what appears to be a plug screwed uphill into a casting on the side of the engine just by the anti roll bar.This is on the left hand side of the engine looking from the back.The "plug" is hexagonal and about 30mm across the flats.It looks as though there may be a washer or gasket under the head of the plug which has failed.What is this component - does it just unscrew - is it an easy DIY to fix it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

This? (oil pressure relief valve)

[CHAZ2]

Thanks for the speedy response - I can,t match what I,m looking at with the diag. The plug sticks downhill and is like a large hexagonal screw with the end machined out to make it hollow.It is about 10mm from touching the anti roll bar and more or less in line with the Variocam word cast into the engine.Oil pressure relief sounds sensible - I just can,t make the drawing fit - I forgot to mention that my car is a 1999 C4 tip.

[CHAZ2]

Hi Loren - I,ve just been looking at cab713,s post a bit further down the page headed oil leak and he,s included two pictures.The right hand one shows the bolt I,m talking about !!!

[Dharn55]

The diagram that Loren showed is the oil pump. You say that the leak is on the drivers side, near the word VarioCam and near the sway bar . Have to give some thought to what that might be but it is not the oil pressure relief.

Edited February 27, 2011 by Dharn55

[Dharn55]

Is it the tensioner? Here is a picture of mine partially removed.

[CHAZ2]

Yes thay,s it Dharn - the oil is leaking out between the hexagonal head and the casting.Is there a sealing washer or is it the tensioner that,s failed.How do you change it - can you just screw it out and screw a new one in.The engine is a Porsche re-manufactured unit with only 20,000 miles on it ,would you expect such a failure? Thanks for the response!

[rb101]

There is a aluminum crush washer in there. I would not think they would leak unless it has been messed with.

[Dharn55]

The crush washer is 900.123.144.30 and lists for $.85. The o-ring is 999.707.344.40 and lists for $8.38. I would suggest replacing both of them. Lock the engine at TDC before you take out the tensioner. Also, If there is any scarring on the piston of the tensioner I would replace the tensioner. The Original part number was 996.105.179.58, superseded to 996.105.186.01, list price $95.86.

[CHAZ2]

Thanks to everyone for your help - I can get it fixed now.