oil leak around oil cooler

[Dr Vic]

Hi guys,

I have a nagging oil leak around the oil cooler. Im hoping somebody would be able to give me some ideas regarding where this is coming from. My crankshaft oil seal and both camshaft oil seals were replaced along with the timing belt. I checked the oil pan next to the timing belt cover and there was no oil so Im guessing those seals are holding fine.

I also have a bigger problem regarding my engine block. My front engine mount is broken from the engine block and my friend told me I need to replace the entire block. However searching through the forums I saw that welding this part would be good enough. Ive attached a picture of this too. Is replacing the block really necessary?

Any members from the Detroit area I can ask for advice? Thanks!

Vic

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[wondabread]

If you can't locate the leak, can you at least confirm it isn't running down from the top? I would suggest really checking your oil cooler. Those have a tendency to break when torqued too much. Also check the valve cover. Oil from a leaking gasket/cracked cover can get EVERYWHERE. Also, it's possible that the cooler isn't broken, just loose. If so, just tighten it to spec.

As far as the broken mount: I'm sure it could be welded. Personally, given the same situation, I might see if I could get it welded, and start saving for a new motor. It might be a good idea to try to figure out how that actually got broken. Welding that would be a "band-aid" at best. I didn't look at your profile, so I don't know what upgrades you have. The motor flexes a good amount, so that weld is going to weaken over time. I couldn't even begin to speculate how long it would last.

Good luck.

 

[Dr Vic]

The valve cover gasket isnt leaking. When we did the timing belt that was replaced. The only mod on the car is a buschur racing down pipe and a boost controller. Its currently boosting at 17 psi which to my knowledge is not alot. So if its not leaking from the top then the oil cooler might be the cause. Is the oil cooler a common cause of oil leaks in dsms?

 

[wondabread]

I would say common enough. I personally have had them come loose on more than 1 occasion. I have talked to more than a few people that have crushed them. I don't think you have to baby it necessarily, just be aware that over torquing it will destroy it.

Upgrading to the 90 oil cooler is something I have yet to do, but has been on my list since the first time I found out I could do it.

 

[Defiant]

Front main seal.

 

[spyderturbo007]

It could be a leak between the oil cooler and the oil filter bracket. Sometimes the post comes loose from removing the oil filter so often. If I remember correctly, you'll need a 23mm deep well socket and a torque wrench. Definitely torque to the specs in the manual, or you risk crushing the cooler, which is suprisingly easy to do. Ask me how I know.

 

[BUCK]

Front main seal.

& get of rid of the damned Water to Oil Cooler while you still have a Motor capable of generating a leak~!

 

[Dr Vic]

Ill definitely check your suggestions out. Any ideas if welding the block would last for a few years?