Oil drips

[scruggs]

Are there any classic points were oil leaks occur on these engines? My 2000 Tuscan is leaving about 7 or 8 drips on the driveway underneath the engine after having been for a drive. It stops when things cool down.

[Basil Brush]

Where is it dripping from? Oil pressure sender would be my first weak spot suggestion followed by oil pipes, where the fittings are crimped on.

[paulvx220T]

It could be you oil pressure sender unit located under the air box. These are prone to leak, have replaced mine. Where is the leakage located relative to the engine.

[scruggs]

Job to tell exactly where it is coming from as I haven't had chance to get the bonnet out or get under it properly. I am getting two oily patches on the floor caused by the oil running along what looks like a chassis cross member close to the front.

[blueg33]

It could be the steering rack, is the oil pinkish in colour?

[scruggs]

Interesting thought about power steering. Last time I dipped my finger in a puddle it was murky brown (car due for service in a couple of weeks) but it could have picked up some dirt on its way down.

[blueg33]

It got drips from the location you describe when my rack was leaking. I spent ages looking for leaks from the oil system, to find it was the rack

[scruggs]

Ok thanks, I have just been out the the car park and checked the power steering fluid level and it is halfway between max and min so if it is that then at least it has not left me short.....yet!

I dipped the engine oil whilst I was out there, I know you are not supposed to check it cold, but it is showing a bit over max. When I last did it using the hot method in the owners manual it was getting low so I put some more in. If it really is slightly over max will it dump it overboard?

[Basil Brush]

scruggs said:

Ok thanks, I have just been out the the car park and checked the power steering fluid level and it is halfway between max and min so if it is that then at least it has not left me short.....yet!

I dipped the engine oil whilst I was out there, I know you are not supposed to check it cold, but it is showing a bit over max. When I last did it using the hot method in the owners manual it was getting low so I put some more in. If it really is slightly over max will it dump it overboard?

No. I've had mine filled about 0.5 litres over max before without any issues.

[scruggs]

Only one real way to find out then, bonnet out and front end up (but at the weekend).

Thanks for all the input.

[DAVEY DEE]

A good suggestion to check the steering rack.Mine was doing the same.The gaitors are easy enough to check as a start.

As for checking oil.....I gave up.It was too hit or miss.

Mind you,I was burning just a tad
If you do need steering rack work done I can highly recommend Kiley Clinton.

[anonymous-user]

Smell it !
The power steering fluid has a distinctive smell .
Another good test it to wipe some of the dripped fluid onto a piece of white paper , then do the same with the engine oil off the stick, they will look very different together if they are different fluids.

[natben]

Check the oil pipes from the oil cooler to the engine they can leak and may be the cause if the drips are near the front near side of the engine.

[twinreal]

Could also be the auxiliary shaft seals.

[sidpinup]

Don't discount a leaking shock either. Had this on the rear of my tam.

[scruggs]

Good grief it sounds like it could be absolutely anything!

[scruggs]

Just to wrap this up.

Ok its gone to my local specialist for a service and MoT. The leak is a 'low pressure' power steering pipe apparently.

Thats the good part. It also needs 4 new shocks, two wishbone bushes, two track rod ends and a few minor issues! Hope I have an understanding bank manager.