Finding oil leak without engine in car

[Bouche Dag]

Would I be able to pressurize my oil pump enough with a drill to find a leak?

I am on the hunt for a massive leak and need to fix it bad, I need to pull the motor to get some machine work done on the block because the previous owner misdrilled a helicoil on the oil pan, it's missing on bolt there, I know that's leaking. But I think the leak will be easier to trace with the motor out of the car. I also have a baaaad leak coming from somewhere around the timing cover. So is it possible to pinpoint a leak with the motor pulled?

Also, if I remove the timing belt, do I have to replace the tensioner again? It's new with about 1k miles on it.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Tensioner should be ok leaks can be found with the engine in the car, too, done that, leaks pinpoint depends on where could be anything pulling is easy so pull if you need too.

 

[Snot Rocket]

A point of oil leaks in the timing cover that is over looked. Is the nut on the rear balance shaft (or oil pump sprocket). That nut has no gasket or oil seal on it. It is just the nut that holds back the oil pressure. With it turning while it is leaking it just slings the oil everywhere. Which makes it real hard to detect that it is the nut leaking.
You could always take off the lower cover throw the balancer back on and fire it up. Don't need to take it for a drive or anything. Just let it run for a very short time. Seeing how you won't have the water pump belt on. But you should be able to find your leak for sure.

 

[Bouche Dag]

I'm putting money on it being that stupid bolt on the balance shaft bearing.

However I still have to pull the motor to get the screwed up helicoil fixed and I'd prefer to pinpoint the leak with the engine on a stand because it'd be much easier .

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

 

[scott90gsx420]

Well look at where the puddle of oil is and look around.. Any oil leak is going to collect dirt and stuff and look cruddier then a spot that doesn't have oil leaks.. But honestly if your going to have the motor out anyways why not order a OEM gasket kit and just replace them all and not have to worry about it later on.. Trust me you dont want a main seal to dye on you and end up having to change it with the motor in the car there such a pita... While its all apart get rid of the balance shafts and port the oil pump relief and replace all timing components and water pump..

 

[Sleeper1gfwd]

Remove timing cover then check for the leak