MOT Advisory - Sump Oil / Steering Rack

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

Hello All,

Took my 2011 4.7 QPV (75k miles) for its MOT today and got this advisory. Oil level is good (not needed topping up from the last service) and also checked the power steering fluid which was between the min/max levels.

“Oil leak, but not excessive central front lower subframe area (unsure of engine oil or power steering fluid)”

I would be interested to know if anyone has had anything similar, thanks in advance...

 

[Zep]

Yes, oil can leak from cam covers and various other places. It will need to be investigated.

 

[conaero]

Rear of engine onto the cats = cam cover gaskets

Front of engine will be the failed timing case gasket if it’s not leaking at the back otherwise it will be the camcovers again.

It needs to be on a ramp to be able to see it clearly.

 

[jebroni]

I had to get my crank seal replaced as mine was leaking from there as well.

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

Thanks Matt, the coolant is very low, any obvious spots to check for coolant leaks also?.. Will be going on a ramp on Friday so we can check it out.

 

[jebroni]

I had a slight coolant leak on bottom hose to radiator only happened when engine warm and turned out to be slightly loose jubilee clamp. My symtons were few drops on driveway at front RH corner below bumper ( bit of a pita to get to though )

 

[philw696]

Thanks Matt, the coolant is very low, any obvious spots to check for coolant leaks also?.. Will be going on a ramp on Friday so we can check it out.

View attachment 122695

With the coolant you're best off getting it pressure tested and don't forget the nasty little hose at the back of the passenger side cylinder head above the bell housing.

 

[alastairb]

don't forget the nasty little hose at the back of the passenger side cylinder head above the bell housing.

Lets not scare anyone just yet , I still have nightmares

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

Thanks again for everyone's input.. managed to get my head under and there is definitely a moist area!.. This is taken from the driver's side with the front of the car to the right... no fluid/puddling on the garage floor.

Is this below the oil/water pump?..

 

[Zep]

As you have 4.7 wet sump engine your water and oil pumps are in different parts of the engine. Not like the 4200 combined pump. So probably not.

 

[modelT]

I have the same. Very difficult to see where it is leaking from. I am going to clean it all up and then look after a run. I doubt very much if I will fix it this side of Christmas unless it is easy… nothing on drive so irritant rather than a must do and it has been an advisory for 2-3 years.

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

I have the same. Very difficult to see where it is leaking from. I am going to clean it all up and then look after a run. I doubt very much if I will fix it this side of Christmas unless it is easy… nothing on drive so irritant rather than a must do and it has been an advisory for 2-3 years.

@modelT, have you been losing coolant?.. Great YouTube's btw!..

 

[modelT]

I don’t think so and it is definitely oil underneath. That reminds me, must do coolant change…

 

[philw696]

As Matt explained the front timing cover gasket is the most likely culprit but it's not uncommon for crank seals to leak for any manufacturer.

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

Again, thanks all for your input - unfortunately I'm not able to get under it myself, I am going over to Shiltech on Friday to get it checked out..

I'll report back for future reference...

Thanks

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

To update, firstly the easy one - oil on the sump was indeed from a weeping oil filter..



The fluid from the MOT advisory is from the steering rack, not excessive but will need sorting..



but the good news is, everything else was good!..

Thanks again for everyone's input...

 

[philw696]

To update, firstly the easy one - oil on the sump was indeed from a weeping oil filter..

View attachment 122782

The fluid from the MOT advisory is from the steering rack, not excessive but will need sorting..

View attachment 122783

but the good news is, everything else was good!..

Thanks again for everyone's input...

Good protection for the subframe.

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

Good protection for the subframe.

That's already been treated but anything that helps lol..

 

[Ma3erat1-QPV]

** I've amended the thread title for searchability / future reference etc..