Small oil leak behind front number plate

[Jak]

Washed the car at the weekend and noticed a spot of dried-on-oil just behind the right hand side of the front number plate. Checked it again last night and found another small deposit (fresh this time) in the same place. I cannot figure out where it could be coming from as it all looks like air intake in that area.
Anyone got any ideas?

[leszekg]

I had a problem a bit like this on my Healey a while back. I eventually tracked down the leak to a pipe coming off an oil cooler. When the car was moving the oil got onto the fan which distributed the oil in a number of directions, including the front valence near the bumper. Can't remember off the top of my head but does the Cerbera have an oil cooler tucked away up front?? Otherwise could it be power steering oil which, if I remember correctly, is topped up at the front of the engine bay?

[p7ulg]

The oil could be comming down the trunking from the air filters ,which are oiled.When the weather gets hot the oil on the filters thins and starts to run(does it look quite dark compared to your engine oil) .I had this problem and had visions of some horrendous engine failure and the engine pumping oil out through the air intakes until it was explained to me by the main dealer.

>> Edited by p7ulg on Tuesday 25th June 10:39

[Jak]

Yes it is quite dark.
I'll check the pipes to see if I can see anything.

[bilton_d]

Hi, had the same problem with mine and heavy fresh oil just after it had been seviced ..... it turned out to be the air filter as it had been heavily oiled.
Hope this helps.

[jpritchard]

It happened / happens to mine too!! I was told (can't remember by whom) that this is just one of those things with Cerby's!!

I have just cleaned it off each weekend - maybe the advice was wrong so I'll keep an eye on this thread!

BTW does anyone know how to have replies to this thread sent straight to my email address? I know you can do it if you start the thread...

[dannylt]

Totally normal - the filter is oiled, and slowly dribbles it out over time. I just don't wash that bit - leave it oily. Fix is to replace the crappy TVR filter which gets blocked very quickly (costs power) with stubby K&N filters straight on the airboxes.

danny

[torqemada]

Its linseed oil, wait a while and it wont dribble anymore. Now whats all this about K+N filters - if you put them on instead of the factory fitted filters (I'd rather not lose power), does this increase BHP?

[dannylt]

I don't think you gain power over the standard filters by replacing them. The problem is that the standard filters only allow full power when they're brand new and spanking clean. They get dirty and reduce flow quite quickly I believe, which the K&N ones don't.

danny

[Beej]

I'd like to know whether it increeases bhp too but I don't see how it can bearing in mind the induction set up does not have an airflow meter - in fact wouldn't there be a risk of running too lean with freer flowing filters?
I don't know why I am obsessed with getting more power out of the thing, I mean its not as though its short of grunt is it?

[dannylt]

A more extreme example is Joolz' ported inlets mods for the 4.2 engines - these definitely allow more airflow (much more difference than a filter) and consistently show an extra 20 to 25bhp on the dyno. The fuelling is well within tolerance for the increased air - the CO etc. are all monitored during the power runs and from what I remember where perfectly within limits - speak to the man himself for more info.

My car is going on the dyno 13th July, I'll try with and without K&N's if we have the time.

[batman_robin]

Guys,

You are talking about the right hand side of the number plate when stand in front of the car correct?!

If that's the case, I have the same thing on mine too.

Danny.