Resolved 1G Oil pump leak.

[94LaserRSTmike]

Hello all.

I have been dealing with a pesky leak on the timing side of the engine, and after reading countless timing side oil leak threads, I still haven't come across one with a similar issue.

I removed my engine last fall and have rebuilt it, and it is now back together and running great. I have encountered and remedied a handful of leaks along the way and am only being held up by a small leak coming from a pressure release type valve on the top of the oil pump front cover. My oil pressure is reading fine, and I kept the balance shaft. I am 95% sure that the leak is coming from the valve, as I got the UV dye additive and it showed it coming from the spot. It is not enough oil to saturate the timing belt, however it is a constant drip, probably around 15 drops/ minute.

It's going on 6 months now and I have had it apart a half a dozen times trying to finally fix this leak. Is there a way to make this valve stop leaking? Did i get a faulty oil pump? I would greatly appreciate any advice, even if it is a link to a similar thread. I have tried finding one with relevance but I'm not having success. I'm dying to drive my car (my Ford Ranger just doesn't have the same feel. ) thanks for reading, and in advance for any help. Cheers!

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[19Eclipse90]

There's no valve in the front case. I assume you're talking about the little ball plug? Both it and the pipe plug are simply that, plugs for machined ports internal to the case: 2 oil pressure reliefs?

If the case isn't cracked, you have the option to replace or remove and reseal the pipe plug. The ball may be a bit more difficult, but I would expect it can be removed similar to those in the crankshaft: Pull your Balls to properly clean your Crank

The spot can be plugged, again, similar to the crank. Find a suitable size set screw, tap the case for it, and use red Loctite to keep it in place: How to plug crank oil galleys after ball removal

Last option would be, of course, to replace the case.

 

[94LaserRSTmike]

Update: After plugging the ball port, I found that my leak persisted.

I have come to accept that the leak was probably coming from my front cover gasket (just like everyone else apparently). I bit the bullet last weekend and began to take things apart to get to the front cover. ( I decided not to pull the engine again, as I just got it back in, and to work from the bottom) Upon removal, the front cover gasket looked pretty trashed. I now have the oil pump back on with a new gasket, sealed with hi temp gasket sealer. Just gotta get things back together and see how it goes.

Am very eager, as I have been working on this the better part of a year now. Hoping that I'll be driving this week. Thanks for help, and all the info contained in the forum.

 

[luv2rallye]

How easy was it removing the front case from the bottom? What problems did you have? I sent you a private message. Please respond or better yet send me an email ([email protected]). I need to remove my front case while engine is in the car and really need to ask you some things (like do you have to remove oil pan to unbolt oil sump tube or can it come out still attached to the front case).