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MG MGB Technical - Finding oil leaks - any tips?

I fixed my fuel leak, and I have fixed (I think) the brake master cylinder leak and I think I know how to fix the leak on my top radiator hose where the thermostat bulb passes though. But I am not sure about hunting down my oil leak. When I run the car I get oil leaking and it drips down from where the engine and gearbox mate. I am not quite sure where it is coming from (I suspect the tappet covers though).

Are there any good tips or tricks to see where the oil is coming from. I guess all I can do is clean the whole engine, dry it off then run it and search for the oily bits. It's tricky since the car is in a dark garage and the block is painted black! Could I put some sort of dry powder on the block and see where it gets wet or a chalk line around it or something like that? I am sure this is the kind of thing there are some old mechanics tricks for!

Simon
Simon Jansen

Simon

I've heard that talcum powder sprinkled over a clean engine can give a good indication of where a leak comes from. Pretty similar to your original suggestion.

Andrew
Andrew

Simon

Check with your auto parts store. Used to be a product that you could put in your oil that added a distint color to it. Made it easier to find the leaks. I also remember a similar product that would glow under black light.

Bruce Cunha

Simon

I came across this Popular Mechanics article. It also mentions the florescent dye.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_sat/1272471.html?page=1&c=y
Bruce Cunha

Oil leak fixed! I just had to powder Vicky's bottom and that did the trick. The talcum powder was also suggested by a work mate who used to be a mechanic. That showed it up right away. It was leaking on the right hand side around the oil pressure gauge take off and also the plug just next to that. I tightened that and wrapped teflon tape on the pressure gauge fitting and it's fine now. The only leak left to tackle is the one under the thermostat housing. The gasket there is awfully thin and it leaks a little.

Simon
Simon Jansen

This thread was discussed between 29/06/2006 and 01/07/2006

MG MGB Technical index

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