A little advice for a non engine savvy member

Madcaravanner

Madcaravanner

Joined
Sep 12, 2016
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Chesterfield England Tellus 3
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Lunar Roadstar 800
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Hi guys and gals,
Simple question, but I know nothing about mechanical bits so bear with me

Fiat 3L (07 plate) maxi chassis 160 multi rating

We have an oil leak which has only just started, it seems to be around the oil drain plug.

So
A/ is this common
B/ is this a major problem

Advice as to what to do please
 
Have you had an engine service recently?
 
If it is the oil drain plug two thoughts come to mind. Tighten the plug, if it feels solid already after putting reasonable pressure on it. The only other solution is to replace the gasket on the plug. Unfortunately this may mean draining the engine oil. If the leak is liveable with, wait for the next service.
 
As above, but I've never had an oil sump plug leak, it could be dripping off it because it's the lowest point.
 
Didn’t they use to supply a copper washer for the plug when you got a service kit , or was that just a long time ago.

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Ivory55 said:
Didn’t they use to supply a copper washer for the plug when you got a service kit , or was that just a long time ago.
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Probably, you're supposed to swap it on every service.. I've never swapped one 😁
 
it wouldnt hurt if you could carefully clean the area and make sure its not running down to the oil plug and showing as a leak there. that way at least you are 'informed' if you need to take it to be cured.
 
Our last van had that engine. It too had an oil leak apparently from the sump plug which turned out to be the oil level sensor, up the back of the engine, which was loose.

DP

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Clean all the oil off and see if its coming back from the plug or above.
If its the plug try to tighten it. If that doesnt stop it, slacken off enough to get some ptfe tape around the thread then retighten.
 
jezport said:
Clean all the oil off and see if its coming back from the plug or above.
If its the plug try to tighten it. If that doesnt stop it, slacken off enough to get some ptfe tape around the thread then retighten.
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Put a newspaper underneath the sump and then spray with one of these below and wipe off with tissue, go for a drive once dry and then have a look and see if it's from higher up than the sump or the sump plug itself.
1591373103471.png
 
The first rule of leaks is LOOK UP as liquid runs down, start at the point you can see the leak then look up, when you find a dry bit, the leak is just under that
 
rosalan said:
If the leak is liveable with, wait for the next service.
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pappajohn said:
But bear in mind, a visible oil leak is now an MOT failure..
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As cyclist, unicyclist and motorcyclist PLEASE get it sorted ASAP

Coming off on oil is painful & potentially life threatening - I'm far too young, good looking & modest to get injured (or worse) in that way 🙂
 
if you have to replace a sump plug washer drain into a clean container and simply refill with drained fluid, you dont have to wait till next service to get a washer on.
 
As asked before have you had a service recently and has the drip started recently.

If your not a hands on type person go to your garage and ask them to check the sump plug.

They may not of changed the plug/washer.

Also as suggested clean down the back of the engine, presuming all is clean at the front, then look around the back.

You could buy one of those small mirrors on the aerial type sticks to fish around the engine and use a tourch for light 😊
 
I have an inspection pit you can use, only downside would be that i am located south west France :)

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If a copper washer, heat up on a gas ring till cherry red and quench then re use, if you have done all of the above could be a cracked sump/stripped thread if over tightened . Drain the oil into a clean container, clean up the mess and refit with new/reconditioned washer to correct torque and refill, if still leaking new sump Not a big job but time comsuming, if dry job done!
 
AC/DC said:
If a copper washer, heat up on a gas ring till cherry red and quench then re use, if you have done all of the above could be a cracked sump/stripped thread if over tightened . Drain the oil into a clean container, clean up the mess and refit with new/reconditioned washer to correct torque and refill, if still leaking new sump Not a big job but time comsuming, if dry job done!
Click to expand...

You can rethread and fit over size sump plugs on most vehicles.

But I think we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves 😊
 
Ok
1/wad due service but Lockdown put paid to that
2/ sump plug is tight
3/ when house painting finished put her back normally and will be cleaning sump and checking where the leak is.
4/not been out of the gates no where to go yet so don't worry I'm a cyclist too
 
OK been for service today at a bloke we trust -

Oil and filter changed
Old plug washer examined it had been over tightened slightly pinched

Got told the sump is OK - - BUT the sump is looking tired and will need changing in a couple of years

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I know that you were joking about the match test. But there are some on here that don’t have a clue about gas testing. You should never use a match you need to use soapy water.
 
Surprisingly, there is a torque setting on a sump plug but the norm is a bit more than tight! Which is fine if all sumps are the same just an alloy one can cause issues.
 
There's been a few on here who have had to replace Fiat steel sumps due to corrosion problems.
 

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