Mysterious oil leak (M10B18)

[MyNameIsOllie]

Hi again,
My 316 has decided to spring an oil leak between the block and the sump, does anyone have any wisdom before I attempt fixing the leak? It only becomes visible after the car has been running for a few minutes (I've always topped up the oil before starting the engine after finding this leak).



Many thanks for any help.

[MyNameIsOllie]

Bump. Thinking of just putting in an M20 if fixing this requires pulling the engine.

[30316]

Looks like the upper sump gasket has failed. I am assuming it is the M10 engine we talking about?

[MyNameIsOllie]

Looks like the upper sump gasket has failed. I am assuming it is the M10 engine we talking about?

Yep, it's an M10. That's kinda what I suspected... it's an engine out job, is it not?

[30316]

No it’s not an engine out job. It’s a long time ago I di this but you have to take the lower sump off and then take the upper sump off and replace the gaskets. I can’t remember if you had to take anything in the way out our not.

[MyNameIsOllie]

No it’s not an engine out job. It’s a long time ago I di this but you have to take the lower sump off and then take the upper sump off and replace the gaskets. I can’t remember if you had to take anything in the way out our not.

So would you have to move the steering rack? Or would you have to drop the subframe and jack up the engine, supporting it from the fenders? I've looked into it a bit, but it seems that pulling the engine is the cleanest way of doing it (and could also do clutch/flywheel/rear main seal, etc.)

[MyNameIsOllie]

Does anyone have the torque specs for the upper sump?

[MyNameIsOllie]

Is it possible that it is a bad front crankshaft seal? I don't want to tackle this job until I'm certain of what the problem is...

[martauto]

Can anyone help this guy ??
I cant crawl under mine right now or I would do mate.

Mart.

[MyNameIsOllie]

Can anyone help this guy ??
I cant crawl under mine right now or I would do mate.

Mart.

Appreciate it, dude!