Name This Oil Leak?

jcallanan · 11-06-2012, 02:54 PM

I know, I know, there are a gazillion posts trying to figure out where an oil leak is coming from. I havee looked at a bunch, but I'm not certain I can nail this down. Figured I'd post a few pics and see if anyone has any opinions.

It's leaking a pretty decent amount - I've lost more than a quart in the last couple of days.

First I checked the oil filter gasket and tightened it to rule that out, then I cleaned the underside of the engine with engine cleaner/degreaser and started it. within a few minutes, the leak started - it's coming down on the driver's side of the engine right near the front. You can see it clearly in the pics.

I did the vanos seals and the vgc about 5-6 months ago. I don't know if that is it, but I would not rule it out. The OFHG looks to be ok, but not positive. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Fajitas · 11-06-2012, 02:57 PM

Vanos oil line and OFHG. Change them both at the same time along with new crush washers. JMHO

Wolrab · 11-06-2012, 03:16 PM

Agreed. When you get in there, you might also find leaks from the PS reservoir and feed/return hoses. You can replace the hoses or trim and re-clamp. Either way, not high $$$.

jcallanan · 11-06-2012, 05:35 PM

Thanks guys - will pull it apart this week. Parts on order.

dmax · 11-06-2012, 06:01 PM

Clean things up and look again in a few days just to confirm.

11-06-2012, 02:54 PM	#1
jcallanan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 45 My Ride: 2000 328Ci View My Garage	Name This Oil Leak? I know, I know, there are a gazillion posts trying to figure out where an oil leak is coming from. I havee looked at a bunch, but I'm not certain I can nail this down. Figured I'd post a few pics and see if anyone has any opinions. It's leaking a pretty decent amount - I've lost more than a quart in the last couple of days. First I checked the oil filter gasket and tightened it to rule that out, then I cleaned the underside of the engine with engine cleaner/degreaser and started it. within a few minutes, the leak started - it's coming down on the driver's side of the engine right near the front. You can see it clearly in the pics. I did the vanos seals and the vgc about 5-6 months ago. I don't know if that is it, but I would not rule it out. The OFHG looks to be ok, but not positive. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Attached Thumbnails

11-06-2012, 03:16 PM	#3
Wolrab Registered Gadfly Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 483 My Ride: 330Ci MT, 545i SMG View My Garage	Agreed. When you get in there, you might also find leaks from the PS reservoir and feed/return hoses. You can replace the hoses or trim and re-clamp. Either way, not high $$$. __________________ Engineers do it with a torque wrench

11-06-2012, 06:01 PM	#5
dmax Stay stock my friends! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Unit I Posts: 21,154 My Ride: '99 328i 1.03809 mu View My Garage	Clean things up and look again in a few days just to confirm. __________________ This huge woman, like 400 pounds comes up to me and says, "Doug, I would rock your world." I replied, "but I need to breathe." The girl in my sig:http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...highlight=dmax

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11-06-2012, 02:57 PM	#2
Fajitas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: San Antonio Posts: 108 My Ride: 04 E46 View My Garage	Vanos oil line and OFHG. Change them both at the same time along with new crush washers. JMHO

11-06-2012, 05:35 PM	#4
jcallanan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 45 My Ride: 2000 328Ci View My Garage	Thanks guys - will pull it apart this week. Parts on order.