Possible Rocker Cover Gasket Leak, can anyone advise please?

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JulesL

JulesL

New Member
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35
Hi, I have a 20 year old Defender 90, she normally runs well, but I noticed a slight burning smell when driving a few days ago, the temp dial was showing normal and I'd checked the oil not long ago, so I popped the hood and a small amount of what could have been oil, or at the time it was mainly round two glow plug points so could have been diesel. I took her out again and checked when I got back but now it's also above the glow plug points and looks like oil. I'm not an expert so all I could think of was gasket, possibly the rocker cover gasket.

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

006_zpsb25a1ecc.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

Of course, I'm no expert and it may be something else all together, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 
JulesL said:
Hi, I have a 20 year old Defender 90, she normally runs well, but I noticed a slight burning smell when driving a few days ago, the temp dial was showing normal and I'd checked the oil not long ago, so I popped the hood and a small amount of what could have been oil, or at the time it was mainly round two glow plug points so could have been diesel. I took her out again and checked when I got back but now it's also above the glow plug points and looks like oil. I'm not an expert so all I could think of was gasket, possibly the rocker cover gasket.

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

006_zpsb25a1ecc.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

Of course, I'm no expert and it may be something else all together, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...


You should be able to smell the difference between oil and diesel.

If not, rocker gasket is an easy and cheap job, once you take rocker off you'll be able see whether its at fault or not
 
Good girl Unfortunately I'm at work on my phone and I can't see to well too small and my eyes , but just wait come on boys help this lady where is it leaking And is it a fix it or leave it job thanks chaps ......
 
JulesL said:
Hi, I have a 20 year old Defender 90, she normally runs well, but I noticed a slight burning smell when driving a few days ago, the temp dial was showing normal and I'd checked the oil not long ago, so I popped the hood and a small amount of what could have been oil, or at the time it was mainly round two glow plug points so could have been diesel. I took her out again and checked when I got back but now it's also above the glow plug points and looks like oil. I'm not an expert so all I could think of was gasket, possibly the rocker cover gasket.

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

001_zps569fd223.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

006_zpsb25a1ecc.jpg Photo by Jinxy6666 | Photobucket

Of course, I'm no expert and it may be something else all together, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...

HOW MANY MILES HAS THIS ENGINE DONE JULES? oops caps on soz.:eek:
 
Easiest thing to do is to wipe around the rocker cover at the gasket with a clean rag and keep an eye on it, should be able to spot if there's any oil leaking out from there or not. Also stick your finger in it lol I thought mine had a bad oil leak but it turned out to be diesel leaking from the leak off pipes and picking up grime and crap as it ran down the side of the engine.
 
gemsdad said:
ok,with the engine warmed up and running,take the oil filler cap of and see if there is any smoke or pressure coming out of the rocker cover.
Click to expand...

Thanks, will do it tomorrow and get back to you. It's -4 here and I've already frozen my extremities enough for today :eek:
 
the_wolf said:
Easiest thing to do is to wipe around the rocker cover at the gasket with a clean rag and keep an eye on it, should be able to spot if there's any oil leaking out from there or not. Also stick your finger in it lol I thought mine had a bad oil leak but it turned out to be diesel leaking from the leak off pipes and picking up grime and crap as it ran down the side of the engine.
Click to expand...

Thanks, will do that too. Must take my steps with me this time as I tried to do that earlier but I couldn't really reach it as I'm only 5.4" :eek:
 
flat said:
i wouldnt worry, i am 6' 2" and there are something i literally have to climb in the engine bay to reach!
Click to expand...

What like this :eek:

FD6D91BA-B03B-46ED-BB5F-7AA6E0D3F0D6-4900-0000039A8F42DFB6.jpg
 
mine is leaking from the rocker gasket as well and every now and then it cuts out , would anyone know if this is causing a problem with compression?

because it doesnt start up for bit after cutting out .... have to leave it about 5 mins? ...

rob.
 
RobertOHare said:
mine is leaking from the rocker gasket as well and every now and then it cuts out , would anyone know if this is causing a problem with compression?

because it doesnt start up for bit after cutting out .... have to leave it about 5 mins? ...

rob.
Click to expand...
compression would be inbetween the head gasket , a leaking rocker cover has nothing to do with running check fuel filter and lift pump and fuel lines :)
 
defender300td1 said:
Lol assumes you had 300 tdi or similar not Psychic you know :p
Click to expand...

you assumed right, i do have a 300tdi :) but it was me not knowing what a lift pump was.. after looking at my Haynes for a bit section 4 somthing found it yeah... but how do i test it ? what do i look for ?? what could be wrong with that?....

its not having a fuel starvation problem because when it doesent start it turns over at the usual speed now im under the understanding that if its having fuel starvation then it would turn over faster once its cut out because there is no fuel in the cylinders?.....

am i just chatting absolute ****e here?... a lil guidence needed. :D

:hijacked:
 
RobertOHare said:
you assumed right, i do have a 300tdi :) but it was me not knowing what a lift pump was.. after looking at my Haynes for a bit section 4 somthing found it yeah... but how do i test it ? what do i look for ?? what could be wrong with that?....

its not having a fuel starvation problem because when it doesent start it turns over at the usual speed now im under the understanding that if its having fuel starvation then it would turn over faster once its cut out because there is no fuel in the cylinders?.....

am i just chatting absolute ****e here?... a lil guidence needed. :D

:hijacked:
Click to expand...
mate your a lost cause if you don't know a from b think its garage time or ask someone nearby you with a little more Knowledge to have a peek :) all in the best possible taste ( kenny Everett )
 
the_wolf said:
Easiest thing to do is to wipe around the rocker cover at the gasket with a clean rag and keep an eye on it, should be able to spot if there's any oil leaking out from there or not. Also stick your finger in it lol I thought mine had a bad oil leak but it turned out to be diesel leaking from the leak off pipes and picking up grime and crap as it ran down the side of the engine.
Click to expand...


Right, have done that, there's a slight leak, so I'll order a new gasket from Paddocks and make an appointment at the garage (I'm in France, they will take forever to get one). Of course, even with latex gloves on I've now got oil on my face, in my hair and all over one finger where there was a hole in my glove :D:D

I'll try the oil cap removal trick when I get back from giving it a slow, gentle spin to warm up the engine. Now, can you promise me if I take off the cap whilst the engine is running I won't be back on here saying I'm covered from head to foot in oil :eek:
 
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