Possible oil leak?

[tim80bwi]

Hi there!

This is my first post on UK-POLOS. I've been flicking through the forum for a good month or so now since I bought my 2003 Polo 1.2 SE back in August. I have to say there is some very useful information here...and some damn nice cars! hehe

But I've run into a bit of a problem and I was hoping someone on here would be able to assist. Basically, I seem to have a bit of an oil leak. I think it originates from the oil filter cap. Take a look at these pictures and see what you think.




There is a lot of residue underneath the oil filter cap which seems to have made its way onto the (alternator?).




There is a large gathering of oily substance down here, which drips onto the ground below if I leave the car stationary for the night.


Underside of the oil sump.


Oil sump and air con compressor.


Any suggestions?

Many Thanks!

Tim

[RUM4MO]

Hello and welcome, I have not got a 1.2 - so as its a 1.4 I "look after" and its got the old style disposable oil filter assembly so I have not seen this problem, but, have a close look at the filter cap to see if its, cracked/split or loose - I would not think that its cross threaded though as its screwed quite far down. If necessary wipe it clean using meths etc and then see when its dry where the oil is actually coming from.

I you really want to sort this out first time round, I'd either do an oil change - that way you will have a chance to change the filter and any seals that come with it (buy from VAG) and maybe play safe and buy a new plastic cap - that way you will then be able to get a hex socket to fit it before you need to actually take it off. Just remember not to overtighten it as its plastic.

Hope some of that helps!

Edit, actually when I look at it you should concentrate on the area above the "lug" cast into the filter housing - right hand side - looks like there is a raised section of the filter cover - maybe due to a trapped twisted or broken O-ring seal or a bit of something else.

[david burton]

Yeah I'd bet that either there is no rubber o-ring (a bad last oil change) or it is twisted and not sealing properly so you get a leak once the engine is running and pressured up.

[tim80bwi]

Ah ok, thanks for the info. Next time I get a free stretch during daylight hours I'll take a look. How will I know if the o-ring is missing if I've never seen what the cap looks like with one fitted? I'm not really sure what to look for!

Just to add, the last service was carried out before I purchased the car. I have checked the oil level and it seems to be about a centimetre above the MAX mark. Does this have any significance?

[RUM4MO]

Ah ok, thanks for the info. Next time I get a free stretch during daylight hours I'll take a look. How will I know if the o-ring is missing if I've never seen what the cap looks like with one fitted? I'm not really sure what to look for!

Just to add, the last service was carried out before I purchased the car. I have checked the oil level and it seems to be about a centimetre above the MAX mark. Does this have any significance?

If you bought it from a VW garage I'd take it back and moan about this - they should fix it FOC, if you didn't buy it from a VW garage, and you are able to do this repair, I'd do as a minimum, a filter change - again buy VAG filter, as it should come with all necessary seals (can anyone that has serviced their 1.2 confirm this?). As for the oil being well above the MAX mark, have you checked this with the car on level ground and after wiping the dipstick? If you have done this then it would seem that the garage that did the service are not too worried about how much oil to fill it with - so maybe you should do an oil change with a known "good" oil and VAG oil filter - just for piece of mind. While you are concerned about this engine, maybe you should check with your local VW dealer if the engine has the later modified chain damper or tensioner fitted - if not I'd get this work done so that you do not join the growing hoard of empty walleted 1.2 VAG engined owners!

[tim80bwi]

RUM4MO, sorry mate I've just noticed your reply! Hope you're still about..

Got the oil/filter changed which stopped the leak completely.

I'm intrigued about the last point you make though. What are the problems with the original chain damper/tensioner? What is the risk? Would I be able to simply call a VW dealer with my VIN, or am I going to have to take it in to be inspected?

Thanks