Range rover P38 weird Oil leak problem

[pat3d]

Hello,

I would need an advice about an oil leak I have on my Range Rover P38 4.0 SE (year 1997).

2 months ago, I had to change the intake gaskets and the head gaskets because of coolant leak, in a independent Land rover repair shop.

Since then I have to add a quart of motor oil every 200 miles. (I didn't have any oil leak before)

The thing is, that I have no visible oil leak, nothing on the floor, and no black smoke.

I went to Land Rover Cincinnati for them to check the oil leak but they told me that they don't know why I'm losing so much oil, because they couldn't see any visible leak.

I've been told if there was a piston problem, I should have black smoke when driving my car, but I don't have that.


Thanks a lot for your help.

Pat3d

[ArmyRover]

have you checked your coolant reseivoir to make sure the oils not turning up in the cooling system?

[stolenheron]

Originally Posted by ArmyRover

have you checked your coolant reseivoir to make sure the oils not turning up in the cooling system?

+1. what color is the oil on your dipstick?...if you have any on your dipstick.

make sure your coolant and oil are the proper colors and viscosity. you don't want them mixing...if they are you've got a few internal problems.

good luck

[pat3d]

Hello guys,

My coolant color is ok (green).

I can see oil on my dipstick, because I'm adding oil from time to time. The oil has a dark brown color and a good viscosity.

I've been told that it could be the rear main seal. What do you think ?

Thanks a lot for your help

Pat3d

[ArmyRover]

a rear main seal leak of the magnitude your telling us about should leave oil all over the undercarriage and in most cases up the back of your truck. Should be fairly easy to spot.

[pat3d]

I have oil spots on my rear bumper and some on the lower tailgate too.

So it could be that maybe.

[ArmyRover]

that quite possibly will be the winner. Check your crankcase vent to make sure it isn't clogged or blocked if it is it can cause the engine to push oil out the rear main seal. I had this problem once.

[pat3d]

Hi ArmyRover,

As I'm not a mechanic, could you tell me where the crankcase vent is, and if I can check it myself.

Thanks,

Pat3d

[ArmyRover]

I want to say it's on the passenger side valve cover I'll go out and look to be sure...

Yes it's very easy to check out yourself.

Edit: Front right to be exact if your p38 is the same as my rrc and the engines didn't change a whole lot over the years so you should be good to go.

[bartell]

Originally Posted by pat3d

I have oil spots on my rear bumper and some on the lower tailgate too.

So it could be that maybe.

Maybe. Oil leaks are very hard to spot. It is easier to trace them by what part of the vehicle is wet with oil than finding them by examining the engine.

However, there is a method used by oil timers. NAPA normally stocks or can get a small bottle of a product that is added to your oil (there are other variations for the air-conditioning or coolant systems). Buy a florescent bulb (aka a black light).

Spray your engine and compartments with a engine cleaner and rinse off well. Start your engine in the dark and examine it with the black light. The oil leak will shine as a trail of bright light blue.

The product has no other effect on the liquid or oil it is added to..so a change is unnecessary afterwards.

James

[marcmichaelides]

Hi, I have been experiencing the exact same problem only my RR is the 2.5 BMW TDI. I have eventually found the problem which was back pressure from the piston rings into the crankcase and subsequently pushing oil through the breather on the rocker cover into the intake manifold. I dont know if both engines work the same but it is something to start on.
Regards
Marcos

[pat3d]

Hello,

I called the mechanic who changed my intake and head gaskets 2 days ago, and he told me that I had a remaining leak form the rear main seal to take care of.

I'm gonna go for that and make it repair. I hope it will fix this problem.

He told me also that he has cleaned the crankcase breather filter, and he didn't notice any problem with the valves stem seals either.

Thanks,

Pat3d

[Disco Mike]

Because of the cost of that repair and the fact that you don't seem to be dripping much, I would want them to clean the under side of the engine area and let it run while on the rack to verify the exact are of the leak.
Mike