Resolved 1G 6 bolt timing belt tensioner oil leak

[all black 4G63]

Does anyone have a final remedy to address the oil leak from the lower timing belt tensioner bolt on a 6 bolt? (photo attached)

I have read post, but wanted to get a fresh suggestion as most post are from early 2000's

I have used 3 bond on the bolt, but obviously it still leaks.

Also is there any other areas for potential oil leaks behind the timing belt cover that I should be aware of?

Thank you for the support

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[AWD-Tony]

Is it possible you mixed up the bolts to the front case? They’re all torqued, correct?

Post in thread 'Front case torque specs'
https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/front-case-torque-specs.366072/post-153816541

 

[all black 4G63]

I took extra care during the bolt installation and torquing of the front case bolts. the service manual lists the bolt lengths and I measured them all then cleaned them before I torqued them.

I'll check out that thread, thanks

This has me so depressed, This f***ing car wont give me a break.
I am running out of ideas. Is it possible that my torque solution motor mount is causing too much stress on the block flexing it?? or is that sound crazy?

 

[Jk's97DSM]

The tensioner bolts go into an oil passage I believe. As stated above that one bolt looks suspect.

 

[AWD-Tony]

The tensioner bolts go into an oil passage I believe. As stated above that one bolt looks suspect.

Yes the bottoms bolt.

 

[all black 4G63]

Well I think I found the leak.... looks to be the front cover gasket on the top next to the 14mm bolt.
Anyone have any thoughts to how this could be? The front case is new Mitsu part as well as the gasket. I'm thinking the block is warped?

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[AWD-Tony]

I wouldn’t think that area would get warped unless it seriously over heated. I’d just grab another gasket and apply copper spray. Clean the surface real good.

You could check both surfaces with a straight edge.

 

[DSMPT]

What high side oil pressure do you have? If you haven't checked the oil pressure, I would check oil pressure relief valve. If the oil pressure relief valve plunger is stuck closed, the oil pressure would exceed 100 psi and would start to leak from the front case/OFH gasket.
And also head gasket sealing, especially where the green circle is in the pic below.

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[AWD-Tony]

Good point Hiroshi! Wonder if he has an oil pressure gauge.

 

[all black 4G63]

Thanks for the info.

I do have a nice AEM oil pressure gauge 0-150 psi It never goes above 90 psi cold engine start for a few seconds.

is it normally suggested to use sealant on the front cover gasket?

 

[AWD-Tony]

The factory did not use anything. I recommended it because of your leak and it may help. Stuff is pretty tacky.

 

[all black 4G63]

update......
the motherf*r still leaks.
I replaced the front cover gasket and applied Mitsu 3 bond on both side of the gasket and the leak is still there.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WHAT AM I MISSING????????????

now that I know where the oil is leaking out from is it possible that I have too high oil pressure?

HOT engine @ 3000 RPM = 76psi
as the RPM is increased the oil pressure raises. At around 4-5000 PRM its as high as 90 psi,, again this is hot engine after driving.

is this the issue?

what the hell????

PLEASE HELP!!

 

[AWD-Tony]

That’s too high. You’ll have to port the ofh

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[all black 4G63]

thanks man! I think that is the issue. Because there is no other reason why oil is making its way passed the font cover.

I have read that having the balance shafts removed increases oil pressure. Well mine are deleted.

Are there instructions to porting the oil filter housing somewhere? are there any other options like changing springs?

The OFH is new OEM 6 bolt design with oil cooler.


THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL HELP!!

 

[97egl]

You can shim the bolt that the spring is under in the OFH.

 

[AWD-Tony]

You can shim the bolt that the spring is under in the OFH.

As high as he is, I don’t think that’ll work

@all black 4G63 what weight oil are you running?

 

[all black 4G63]

10-30

 

[pauleyman]

What did the colts do? 4g61 I'm assuming was a 6bolt design. What oil filter housing did it use?

 

[all black 4G63]

Just normal 6 bolt OFH with external cooler ports

 

[AWD-Tony]

Hard to say how much to open it up since every built engine is different when it comes to oil clearances. I just went by the pic in jafro’s video. Mine is perfect except for between 2-4k about 15psi higher. You have to keep in mind not to open it up too much, but if you do, you can shim the spring.

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[all black 4G63]

Thanks man I didn’t realize this was a thing after removing the balance shafts. I’ve been chasing “what I thought was an oil leak” ghost for a year. What a joke.
I’ll update as usual after I port this thing.

I’m wondering since I spring a leak at the front cover gasket when reaching high oil pressure if I ruined the new gasket already???

 

[AWD-Tony]

I wouldn’t reuse it since its been compromised. Plus it probably won’t come off in one piece.

 

[all black 4G63]

I referring to the front cover gasket not the OFH gasket.
the leak occurs at the top of the front cover gasket and seeps out the top. My question is do I need to replace the front cover gasket again?
Thanks

 

[AWD-Tony]

I referring to the front cover gasket not the OFH gasket.
the leak occurs at the top of the front cover gasket and seeps out the top. My question is do I need to replace the front cover gasket again?
Thanks

I know. Oil found its way out so I’d image the gasket is a goner. I’d replace both gaskets.

 

[all black 4G63]

Shit that’s a lot of work. I think I’ll port the housing and watch for a leak.
I’ll update thank you

 

[DSMPT]

Are you 100% sure that the leak occurs at that location? Did you confirm that the oil is not coming down from the head gasket? (the oil drain port I mentioned above)
If you are 100% sure, maybe you should check the front case surface condition/flatness, too.