Very Leaky 300tdi Defender

Good Morning,

I hope you all had a good weekend and enjoyed the Show at Stoneleigh if you went.

So, my defender has an oil leak which I know isn’t unusual but his is increasing and has started leaving little pools below my car as opposed to drops.


Some online forums have suggested it could be the thermostat O ring which I’ve ordered but thought I would drop a few images and see what the experienced crowd think! I have a sneaking suspicion perhaps the cooler pipes maybe Fubared as they appear to be sodden. My oil filter had worked itself loose which I’ve squirreled back up but still getting the same leaking. It pools on the top of the front diff and drips on the floor from there.


Any help or suggestions would be great. Thank you all.

Its better to clean the engine thoroughly with some de-greaser and water then check for the source of the leak, this will be more a more accurate way to seek the leak.

I had a very similar leak which I couldn't find for ages, despite cleaning and degreasing.
Every time I looked underneath after cleaning - no drips, nothing to see.
Every time I drove somewhere and parked up, oil all over the place and drips coming off axle and steering bars.
To cut a long story short leak was from the diesel lift pump gasket - nothing coming out when engine switched off, but obvious spray of oil when checked from underneath with engine running.

Give it a quick clean and have a look from the top and from underneath with the engine running - Good luck.

if its diesel I had it leaking from injector return pipe

Sorry for the delay. Ive replaced the oil cooler pipes but still have the leak. My rocker cover is slightly leaking but have replaced the gasket recently so hope it holds off. Im going to give it a good degrease and clean this weekend as ive just done Exhaust manifold gasket and need to get the residue off.
I will have a look at the pump as it seems to be collecting on the diff and steering bars etc

Thanks all