Diesel in engine oil?

lightning · Oct 2, 2014

I took my new Defender TD5 to get the injector loom replaced, as there was oil in the harness at the ECU.
The guy said your oil level is a bit high, you should keep an eye on it as diesel might be getting into the oil.

So l read about a test where you drip some oil from the dipstick on to a towel, and if it leaves an outer ring that's lighter, there is diesel in the oil

And it seemed there was.

But then l tested my Transit Connect van, l changed the oil a couple weeks ago in that, and there is no issue with the oil level rising in that, and it looked exactly the same?

That is, a dark centre circle of oil, with a lighter ring around it.

ls there any other way to tell if there is diesel in the oil? l cannot smell anything on the dipstick, it just smells like oil.

jamesmartin · Oct 2, 2014

you could get a lab test or carefully watch stick level, though you dont need that much to cause issues,

lightning · Oct 2, 2014

Here is the oil test, which appears (from what I have read) to show diesel in the oil? But my van is the same....

From left to right, the second picture is from my BMW (petrol engine) and shows the same halo

The third picture is brand new oil....again a lighter halo around the centre oil drop

So after an initial scare, the test seems inconclusive

v8landyman · Oct 2, 2014

Sniff test is the best - diesel is very distinctive and detectable in minute traces, like when you've washed your hands after filling up.

lightning · Oct 3, 2014

I am going to change the oil and filter today, then monitor the level. As l only just got the Defender and it might be that the previous owned overfilled it with oil. As it is up to the top of the FULL lettering on the dipstick, where it should be at the mark below.

lightning · Oct 4, 2014

So l changed the oil yesterday, and have since then done about 70 miles.

The oil level has risen from just below the full mark, to just above it.
So it appears l do have a problem.
Is it worth getting the injector seals replaced to see if that cures it? My local Land Rover specialist seemed to think it was not worth it, and it would be a cracked head.

The Defender starts and runs perfectly and is doing 25-30mpg.

As l just bought this vehicle from a dealer, l am wondering whether to ask for my money back.
But it's in excellent condition with no rust on the chassis and no corrosion/oxidisation at all on the bodywork.
It is the best one l looked at by a fair margin.

How much should l be paying for injector seal/washer replacement? As the dealer is over 200 miles away l may suggest that they pay to get this done locally.

lightning · Oct 5, 2014

I'm not getting any feedback on this.

Has the topic been done to death on here? I have to admit to not looking on the forum for a while

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 5, 2014

Always best to :search:

lightning · Oct 8, 2014

Well, since l changed the oil l have done over 200 miles and so far the oil level has remained the same.

So it may still be that the last owner overfilled it with oil.

tottot · Oct 8, 2014

Make sure you check the dip stick with vehicle parked in the same place each time,even a small change in angle will change the result.

Kwakerman · Oct 8, 2014

Also at the same engine temperature.

lightning · Oct 8, 2014

Yes l always check it on my drive in the same parking place.

The Mad Hat Man · Oct 11, 2014

doozil in oil is a common problem with td5's - needs new head.

lightning · Oct 11, 2014

Mine seems to be OK. Looks like the last owner just put a bit too much oil in it.

I will keep checking. I have a six month warranty with it.

Shifty1962 · Oct 12, 2014

If it was a cracked head you would see the levels rise quickly (litres of diesel in the sump). If it is only rising slowly then it may be a leaking injector O ring. Fingers crossed the levels have stayed steady.

lightning · Oct 12, 2014

The supplying dealer offered to pay for new 0-rings etc to be fitted, but l could not get any of the local Land Rover specialists to take the job on, including the LR main dealer.

"When we remove the injectors they might not seal again in the head"
"We may have to replace the injectors"
"We've had them hydraulic lock after doing this job and wreck the engine"
"If it goes well, fine, but if not, we will have to replace tbe head"
"You are opening a can of worms trying to replace the seals"
"We have never done one where it has cured the fault" ( diesel in the fuel)

Fortunately mine now seems OK. It is a later model which l believe were better, and it has done under 60,000 miles.
But these dealers put me off getting the seals replaced

Diesel in engine oil?

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