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MG MGF Technical - Slight Oil Leak !

Don't know if anyone can give me any advice on this one.

I have a 53 plate TF 1.8 have had it for 6 months and have had nothing but pleasure driving it.
But whilst giving her! (Yes got told off from the wife for calling it a her)a weekly clean & polish etc etc i noticed a small drip of oil on the garage floor,
After looking under her noticed it was very black & oily near the oil sump nut & had dripped onto the lead for the oil pressure clock? I have had her on ramps but I can't see where it is coming from as the ability to see up the rear of the engine compartment is nearly non-existant, I have checked oil levels etc all ok, but have been told that it may be the driveshaft seal that has gone and that means major gearbox out etc. I was also told that if it wasn't checked soon that this maybe to do with the start of the dreaded Head Gasket Problem......... But have checked all other signs of this starting Creamy substance in radiator tank etc and all is fine.
There is a slight creamyness on the dipstick but put this down to the fact that i only live 2 miles from work and generally she is not warmed up sifficiantly before i get to work. Car is still under warranty and all bits are covered so just need advise on what anyone thinks is the prob.... PS decided to call her KYLIE (Small with gorgeous curves) & just to annoy the missus.
S Taylor

Is there enough room to stick a digi camera up there and take some snaps? Might be useful.
Leigh

Leigh

Thanks tried that but it's still tight to get camera in to take pics.

after reading the workshop manual re drive shaft seals.

Without taking off the wheel & all the covers to actually get to the thing can't see any other way. but thanks anyway.
S Taylor

hi, my english is very poor, sorry!
i've oil leack between right driveshaft and gearbox... there will be obviusaly a oil seal replacement but...
can you cacth by your hand the driveshaft putting it strongly up and down? is there any move between right driveshaft and gearbox?
mine is about 2-3 mm - less on left driveshaft
is that all ok on my little MGF? :-/
Dario

Dario,

I cannot help you, but just wanted to say that your English is VERY good.

I am sure that someone will be along soon to provide you with the information you need.

CIAO!
Sam Murray

Dario
After spending a very wet & windy afternoon in the garage, i have managed to trace my oil leak to behind the cover of the timing belt, i have been informed that there is a very small oil seal located behind this cover that is prone to leaking, Car is going into the garage monday 10/03/08 so will let you you know if it is anything else.

CIAO
S Taylor

Have you had your timing belt replaced on schedule at 4 years ?? If not, then now is the time as this seal replacement requires access to the belt.
Did the previous owner have it done. Many cars are sold when it is due.
Geoff F.
Geoff Farthing

Geoff
I had read up on the timing belt and had considered having it done at the same time as i believe that they have to take the other one off to get at the seal anyway.

as for if the previous owner had it done there is no record of it with all the service bumf i got with the car as is no record of the dreaded HGF!

Car has only 33k would you suggest having it done, bearing in mind that the other one might have been contaminated with oil?
S Taylor

The belt change is due to deterioration of the rubber with age rather than mileage. If not already done, then it is due.
The work package depends on how you use the car, how long you intend to keep it and most important,the budget.
Best advice would include also changing the belt tensioner, water pump and alternator belt when you have access to them.
Geoff F.
Geoff Farthing

@ S Taylor

It sounds like an easy job to a professional garage.
Let them do everything is needed & enjoy as soon as possible ur beautifull car! ;-)
Dario
Dario

~~~~~~~~~UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Had car into garage, It was the oil seal, Had timing belt changed as well as belt tensioners... Cost £260 which i didn't think was bad considering.

S Taylor

This thread was discussed between 17/02/2008 and 12/03/2008

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