Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories) on MOT - Central Front Oil leak

[nuvolablue]

Hi All,

Continuing on my (re)search for my first Maserati, I have come across this on the MOT history of a QP V.

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

• Central Front Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Is this quite a common monitor and repair item on the QP's appearing on MOT's ?
Based on members experiences, is this something easily diagnosed (i.e. through a PPI) ?.....And what is it likely to be ?
Is it potentially something to walk away from if the seller hasn't already diagnosed ?

Thanks.

 

[philw696]

It's going to be most likely the front timing chains cover and the crank seal a bit of work but nothing too drastic.

 

[nuvolablue]

It's going to be most likely the front timing chains cover and the crank seal a bit of work but nothing too drastic.

Okay Thanks. Rough cost for the aforementioned work to be carried out ?

 

[strictly]

I'm following as fairly common problem. I think I read somewhere that it was quite a bit work. I would be interested to know a rough parts price estimate and time estimate.

 

[philw696]

Best contracting one of the many Independent Specialists on the forum for a price been a few years since I did one at the Dealership now.

 

[Ebenezer]

Is this the same as weeping cam covers?
Eb

 

[CatmanV2]

Is this the same as weeping cam covers?
Eb

Don't think so. I think this is the front cover of the engien.

C

 

[philw696]

Yeah Catman is correct but the covers need to come off to do the front cover so you need those gaskets too.

 

[modelT]

The good thing about a front timing cover oil leak is that it helps protect your subframe…

 

[philw696]

The good thing about a front timing cover oil leak is that it helps protect your subframe…

I'm a advocate of using old engine oil as rust protection for years and do it on my own cars here in France.
Having owned more Classic Minis than I can recount I've never changed a front subframe on one for rust but the rears many.

 

[jebroni]

sounds like crank seal not an expensive part but difficult to get out (damaged my Halfords advanced breaker bar in the process).

 

[nuvolablue]

Best contracting one of the many Independent Specialists on the forum for a price been a few years since I did one at the Dealership now.

I only know the username of @wicked1 for Matthew of Giallo..... Would you be able to tentatively advise please?


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[Bebs]

As long as it’s not oil misting from the block itself where it is put together on the F136 engine. That requires engine out AND crank shaft out to repair.
Unlike the F131 tipo engine (Ferrari 360) which is a solid one piece block.

 

[nuvolablue]

As long as it’s not oil misting from the block itself where it is put together on the F136 engine. That requires engine out AND crank shaft out to repair.
Unlike the F131 tipo engine (Ferrari 360) which is a solid one piece block.

Wow.... That sounds worrying.
Okay clearly I'm not going to get any definitive answers to this one based on a hypothetical scenario and an MOT advisory statement which could be a plethora of actual things wrong with said hypothetical vehicle!
Suffice to say sound like this is something that could be easily diagnosed as part of a pre vehicle inspection.

Thanks for everyone's contributions.

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[dickygrace]

Wow.... That sounds worrying.
Okay clearly I'm not going to get any definitive answers to this one based on a hypothetical scenario and an MOT advisory statement which could be a plethora of actual things wrong with said hypothetical vehicle!
Suffice to say sound like this is something that could be easily diagnosed as part of a pre vehicle inspection.

Thanks for everyone's contributions.

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Front cover oil leak is around £800-£1000 job. Rocker gaskets are about half that.

 

[nuvolablue]

Front cover oil leak is around £800-£1000 job. Rocker gaskets are about half that.

Thanks @dickygrace, exactly what I was looking for.... not necessarily a diagnosis and estimate, but a ballpark understanding of what these cars suffer from and what potentially it could end up costing.

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[conaero]

What I would do first is go buy 5 cans of brake and clutch cleaner from Euro Car Parts.

Jack the front up and take the small rectangle undertray off.

Spray the engine and heads down thoroughly then after 500 miles look again.

It will be from one of the following:

1. Cam covers, look to see the oil leak and if it’s up high then it’s the camcovers. £525 plus vat

2. The large lower crank pulley, running down from behind it…crank seal. £300 plus vat

3. Wet round the front cover join, pooling and dripping at the lowest point….front cover gasket. Includes all 3 items £1100 plus vat

The only caveat is the front pulley may break getting it off so you will have to add that, £300 ish from memory

 

[nuvolablue]

What I would do first is go buy 5 cans of brake and clutch cleaner from Euro Car Parts.

Jack the front up and take the small rectangle undertray off.

Spray the engine and heads down thoroughly then after 500 miles look again.

It will be from one of the following:

1. Cam covers, look to see the oil leak and if it’s up high then it’s the camcovers. £525 plus vat

2. The large lower crank pulley, running down from behind it…crank seal. £300 plus vat

3. Wet round the front cover join, pooling and dripping at the lowest point….front cover gasket. Includes all 3 items £1100 plus vat

The only caveat is the front pulley may break getting it off so you will have to add that, £300 ish from memory

Wonderful........thank you. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.

 

[conaero]

No problem

 

[modelT]

sounds like crank seal not an expensive part but difficult to get out (damaged my Halfords advanced breaker bar in the process).

Great thing about Halfords advanced is it has lifetime warranty. Take it back and even with no receipt, you get a new one. I had a ratchet that was 15 years old at least and took that back with no issues.