Oil leak

[Quest]

I’ve been chasing an oil leak for a while now. Originally I thought it was the chain tensioner so I replaced the seals and that didn’t fix it. Next I did the distributer seals and that didn’t fix it. Now it’s getting quite bad, so bad I lost 1/2 litre of oil on a 40 mile journey!

I’ve had a good look and I suspect it maybe leaking out from the cam carrier.
It’s been 15 years since I’ve had this engine apart! I can’t remember if the carrier comes off separately or does the head come with it?
Also, I seem to remember there’s no gasket between the two, and you use a liquid gasket, is that correct?

Many thanks

[HANDBLT]

The cam carrier comes off separately.

T

[ADA///M]

I’ve been chasing an oil leak for a while now. Originally I thought it was the chain tensioner so I replaced the seals and that didn’t fix it. Next I did the distributer seals and that didn’t fix it. Now it’s getting quite bad, so bad I lost 1/2 litre of oil on a 40 mile journey!

I’ve had a good look and I suspect it maybe leaking out from the cam carrier.
It’s been 15 years since I’ve had this engine apart! I can’t remember if the carrier comes off separately or does the head come with it?
Also, I seem to remember there’s no gasket between the two, and you use a liquid gasket, is that correct?

Many thanks

where is it leaking? Pictures?

[Mick]

I would start by cleaning the motor thoroughly with a degreaser, let it dry, then run the motor up to temp and inspect. If you're losing that much oil the source should be obvious.

[Quest]

After more of an investigation it looks like it’s leaking from here, which holds the chain tensioner quide in place, and also from the fromt of the head ( I’m not sure the purpose of this bit)? Then it’s running down the block and collecting on the bottom of the sump.

I suspect still a cam carrier off job?

[Quest]

Here’s the second picture

[Dave @nz]

I find it unusual to leak 1/2 litre of oil in 40 miles from these bungs, even though it is leaking I would look for other leak areas and possible oil usage indicators like oil in the bottom of the the plenum etc.

The top photo the distributor housing comes out to allow the 6mm Allen head bolt to be removed then the pivot pin can be withdrawn by screwing in a 8mm bolt in the pin end and pulling out. It has an o-ring on it to be replaced. I have not tried to remove this guide or pin on an assembled engine.

The real tricky thing is if you remove the cam chain tensioner the guide may fall downwards.
If you leave the tensioner in the guide may move not allowing the pin to be reinserted, maybe worth a try?

I Think usually the exhaust cam sprocket would have to removed to get to the top guide then remove the guide pin replace the 0-ring.

The slotted bung I have not had out due not been able to loosen it so left it in and suspect o-ring on the needs replacing.