Oil Leak

[drjaking]

This was taking another thread OT so I've started a new one for it, I hope that's OK.

My MK3 seems to have an oil leak. I've attached a few photos showing the extent of it, just wondered if anyone could comment. To me it looks like it's coming from the drive-shaft, but could also be higher up, it's quite extensive and looks like it's been going on for a while. I bought this car a couple of weeks ago and have a month's engine and gearbox warranty so I'm going to have to take it back I think, but any comments welcome.

[insanitybeard]

At a quick glance it looks like it could be oil leakage from the intercooler pipework, possibly the flexible rubber pipe in the second (middle) image you posted, either a split or it's not sealing fully at one of the ends. Are the jubilee type clips at either end of that flexible pipe tight? Leakage from intercooler pipework often leads to that horrible thick black sticky oil film visible in your pictures, and the pressure present in the pipework (produced by the turbo) ensures any leakage gets spread far and wide!

[drjaking]

I wondered what that rubber pipe was. I have put the cover back on now, suppose I'd better go and check it! It actually looks like the rubber pipe is too short.

[Chrispb]

If your lucky it may just be the clips need tightening on the air charge pipe, only thing is the oil staining around the area where the gearbox/engine couple together may point to engine rear main seal which is a big job.

[drjaking]

The jubilee clips seemed tight and the rubber pipe is in good condition. I cleaned it off and will take a run this weekend to see if anything appears to come out of it. But as I have a gearbox and engine warranty I think I should take it back regardless.

If it is the main seal, how damaging is it to drive with it?

[Chrispb]

Not damaging with such a small amount, if it was mine I would brush some degreaser around the area then jet wash it off then you will be sure where it's coming from but as you have the warranty let the garage do it for you.

[drjaking]

I took it back to the dealer yesterday, they identified the leak from the diesel pump, replaced seals/gasket the same day. Hopefully that's the end of that!

[Chrispb]

  Keep an eye on it