John_Salmon Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 A small oil leak has developed at the join between the bellhousing and block. New sump gaskets have just been fitted (wet sump) and a new flywheel seal 3000 miles ogo. As yet the leak is small is this ok or should i remove the engine and replace the flywheel again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 If it is between the bellhousing and the block it is more often than not gearbox oil. The cork gasket underneath the front cover of the gearbox can get tired, especially if the cover has been disturbed at some point in time. It won't be the crankshaft real seal, but it will be an engine separated from gearbox job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Flatters Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 I thought I had a similar leak - turned out to be the cam cover gasket. Oil ran down the back of the head, trickled around the block/bell-housing seam and dripped off the bottom. If you have had the cam cover off, make sure you only just 'nip' up the 17 bolts holding it on otherwise you will distort the sealing beads on the gasket and it will leak like a sieve. Steve Mell PTM 88 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 John, Are you convinced you cleaned and re-sealed the back bearing carrier properly when you replaced the rear oil seal (flywheel....) This is the achiles heal of the VX and is by far the most likely cause. Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 That will teach me to pretend I know anything at all about Vauxhalls... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C7JFM Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 Arnie...if you replace the main rear crankshaft seal do you apply any sealant or just make sure its all v clean and press home the oil seal with a little lubrication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted January 29, 2002 Share Posted January 29, 2002 You apply loads of sealant to the sides and mating faces of the bearing cap. Make sure its GM part no 90485251 type. Anything else leaks!!! I've sweated blood finding this out the hard way! Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Salmon Posted January 30, 2002 Author Share Posted January 30, 2002 Arnie....The rear main bearing carrier is sealed correctly with vx sealant 90485251. When replacing the oil seal do you fit it dry or use a sealant between the outer of the seal and the block/bearing carrier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Salmon Posted January 30, 2002 Author Share Posted January 30, 2002 Arnie....The rear main bearing carrier is sealed correctly with vx sealant 90485251. When replacing the oil seal do you fit it dry or use a sealant between the outer of the seal and the block/bearing carrier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted January 30, 2002 Share Posted January 30, 2002 John, I used a very thin smear of sealent on the mating surface of the the seal. The normal place people seal inadequately (and learn the hard way) is although the cap is sealed on the side edges, the necessity is also to seal the mating surfaces where the bearing halves join. This it would seem is where most of the oil emerges. If you are sure you put plenty of sealent ay this point its maybe time to look elsewhere. DId you remove- refit te bellhousing to the block or change gearbox type??? I forgot to fit the o ring the 6 speed requires on the end of the selector rod - results in an oil leak between the sump and the bellhousing! Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted January 30, 2002 Share Posted January 30, 2002 Just a thought as I dont know the VX internals, but is the flywheel attached to the crank in the same way as on a K ie - the tapped holes go right through the crank flange? On a K its important to apply sealer to the flywheel bolts to prevent leakage from this area. Is it the same on a VX ? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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