1997 850 N/A - Big oil leak from front of engine, ANY IDEAS?

dville_gt · Post by **dville_gt** » 10 Aug 2009, 06:58

It is a 97 850 non-turbo. Has about 250k miles. A few months back it had a big refresher, new radiator, waterpump, timing belt, tensioner, idler, entire PCV system, all hoses, etc.

So now I go look under it and everything is covered in oil (including my driveway

), and it looks like it is coming from the front of the engine. There is even oil on the underside of the intake manifold, all over the front of the block, on the oil pan, and then slung completely under the car. It is leaking enough that I cant even park it without it making a little puddle underneath.

I figure I'll need to pull the intake manifold to see what is going on, but from what I could feel it seemed like all the PCV hoses were still connected to the PCV box so I am really not sure how it just sprung this big leak. HELP!

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 10 Aug 2009, 07:32

It definitely sounds like the oil separator box for the PCV is leaking. Does the car leak when it is running or do you just notice it after it has been sitting for awhile?

dville_gt · Post by **dville_gt** » 10 Aug 2009, 07:37

While it was running I didnt see anything dripping, it was when the car was turned off after a few minutes then I saw the puddle forming again.

It is ironic you'd be the first to respond! I bought the whole PCV kit from you guys!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 10 Aug 2009, 14:04

I've seen a number of pictures of failed rubber PCV lines. Particularly the short 90 degree elbow from the block to the oil trap. I'm not 100% sure of the source of the parts that are failing.

...Lee

seanm3113 · Post by **seanm3113** » 10 Aug 2009, 18:38

hmm, I just did my 2 weeks ago myself. I will now keep an eye on it. I would think it was the lower most connector at the base of the separator not being seated all the way in. The radiator fan is an easy removal (10 mins) then you can use a mirror to look under the manifold. If you don't have a mirror use a CD/DVD or something.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 11 Aug 2009, 07:59

Keep us posted. I am curious what you find out the cause is.