Topic: Engine Oil Leak 86 22RTEC

[AZ 4X4]

I just had my motor rebuilt and I have a pretty bad oil leak. It looks as though it is coming from the rear of the motor. I took the tranny out and checked the rear main. There is a plate on the back of the head that is RTV'd and reinstalled. Is there any oil passing by that plate. I started the truck up after putting everything together and haven't had a leak yet, but I haven't driven it. What do you think? Thank you.

[emsvitil]

Check the half-moon plugs on the valve cover.

Known leak point........

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

That also looks ok. I'm kind of leaning towards the Turbo area. I hope it will show once I drive it.thanks.

[bleakhorizon]

pretty sure that plate o the head is just EGR with coolant behind it... i believe the only thing on the rear of the engine that can leak engine oil is, valve cover, head gasket, rear main, oil pan....

[Sparkplug]

pretty sure that plate o the head is just EGR with coolant behind it... i believe the only thing on the rear of the engine that can leak engine oil is, valve cover, head gasket, rear main, oil pan....

this

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

I've checked all that stuff. My next plan is the oil lines to and from the turbo. After that I don't know.

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

So, a day later and all that work done yesterday and the leak is coming from the same spot. It looks like it is collecting under the tranny, but its not transmission fluid. I use Royal Purple so I would be able to tell pretty easy. Along with all the other stuff that has been ruled out, I am at a loss. I need some suggestions please. Thank you.

[Rocksurfer]

Check the large drain-back hose on the turbo, that's where mine leaked. It runs from the bottom of the turbo to the side of the block, looks like a small stretched out slinky.

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

I will check that. I ran it for a minute today and I ca see oil forming above the oil pan, in front of the bell housing and only on the driver side which coincidently is the side where the turbo is. I really hope that is my only problem. I have been waiting to run this truck for far to long" thank you for your input and help.

[Rocksurfer]

That does sound like the drain back tube. My leak was very similar.

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

Well I changed out the brass washer on the turbo tube, but I still have the leak. It looks like it is coming from above the where the tube hooks up and it's everywhere. Any more ideas? Thanks.

[Rocksurfer]

Tube is cracked, not an easy part to find if that's it.

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

I think my next course of action is to wrap the tubes with paper towels and see if I can find the leak that way. This is the last thing that is holding me up from being able to finally drive my truck. I hope this finds the problem.

[88sasturbotoy]

Did you ever find the source of the leak?

[AZ 4X4 [OP]]

I haven't and now I have overheating issues. I swapped out the valve cover gasket and even RTV'd the half moon inserts. I am at a loss. I think I may have to tear it all down and check it out.

[88sasturbotoy]

Overheating I'd pull the thermostat and see if that fixes it if it does replace the thermostat as for the oil leak I can't really diagnose it without lookin at it mine leaked at the rear half moon gasket cause it was in there sideways if its on the turno side I'd check the turbo oil in and out lines maybe one has a hole or something