Ian DL Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 Hi all. I have a 2021 270s which I bought just under a year ago. It had a history of slight oil leaks (possibly due to an overfilling incident) which were apparently addressed by Caterham under warranty. These included a cam cover and head gasket, and a replacement sump which was identified as porous by Caterham (apparently a know issue with the casting). A couple of months ago I started to notice a couple of drips of oil under the car after each run, which seemed to be the common issue with the cam cover. This was fixed with a new gasket, but the drips are still there. After a good look today it seems the oil is coming from the sump, which is oily all over rather than just at a join, indicating that the replacement sump could also be porous. Just wondering if anyone else has had this. I'm imagining the cost of replacing the sump may mean it's just a little niggle one can live with, but irritating none the less! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 While we're waiting for the experts... I've had a quick look in the archives but the only reference that I can find to porosity of the sump is yours from June this year. But there are several other suggested possible locations... Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian DL Posted August 31 Author Share Posted August 31 Thanks Jonathan. Yes, I'm repeating myself from that thread, but as I'm now pretty sure the cam cover is sorted, and the only oil leak is generally from the sump I thought I'd start a new thread. Like you I couldn't find anything in the archives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 No experience of these sumps but would a porous sump be OK for a while (how long before it started showing signs?) before starting to leak (weep?). Are you sure it is not coming from somewhere on the front of the engine and being spread over the sump by the airflow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 Clean it thoroughly, run the engine until warm ... any leak ? Go for a short drive and look again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian DL Posted August 31 Author Share Posted August 31 Good thoughts. Thanks both! Will investigate further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted August 31 Share Posted August 31 2 hours ago, SM25T said: Clean it thoroughly, run the engine until warm ... any leak ? Go for a short drive and look again. and a dusting of talcum powder after the clean, before running up to temperature, should help identify where any leak is emanating from too… (as well as making it smell nice!) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Geoff Brown Posted September 1 Area Representative Share Posted September 1 If CC replaced the sump pan under warranty assume that they fitted faulty goods which should recourse for a claim against them for replacement. But don't hold your breath ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted September 1 Share Posted September 1 A porous sump would be likely to leak when the car’s driven or standing I would think. From other thread: “there is always a couple of drips of oil under the car after a blat, but the dripping stops when it's not driven.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian DL Posted September 1 Author Share Posted September 1 You could be right. I wondered if the heat and pressure when driving were causing it to weep. I gave the sump a good clean off today then took it for a run. On return the whole sump felt generally oily to the touch but not enough to drip. I'll continue to monitor. Thanks to all for your suggestions 😊! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted September 1 Share Posted September 1 There should be no pressure to speak of in the sump when driving. If there is then you have other issues 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR400D Posted September 1 Share Posted September 1 I guess heat could open up the porosity and thin the oil? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpbransfield Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 Check where the dip stick enters the sump, there is a green “O” ring in the housing that might have perished / split. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian DL Posted September 2 Author Share Posted September 2 7 minutes ago, johnpbransfield said: Check where the dip stick enters the sump, there is a green “O” ring in the housing that might have perished / split. That's a good thought. Thanks! I'll take a look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlastererPete Posted September 2 Share Posted September 2 Thats a good shout. Fords are known for leaky dipstick to sump tubes. Currently got one on my transit and had one on my connect and also on my ST170. Nice easy fix if it is aswell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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