Oil Leak

[red coupe89]

i have a oil leak which seems to be growing worse with time. i have it seeping threw the timing cover right next to the idler pull attached to the lower intake manifold on the drivers side of the engine. my thoughts are the cam seal but they were just changed when the motor was apart 2k miles ago. not sure if theirs some thing im over looking. a point in the right direction would be awesome.

thanks

[NolimitZ32]

If it's coming from under the cam gear than it is likely the cam seal or the valve cover gasket, just because it was recently changed, does not mean it was installed correctly or wasn't damaged or isnt a bad part (these things happen). If it's coming from the front of the cam gear it could be the NVCS seal at the front.

[red coupe89]

yes its coming from the seam in the plastic on the timing cover. i think its the cam but didnt know if some 1 else has experienced the same symptoms

[NolimitZ32]

Plastic cover? the rear cover is metal, are you referring to the rear metal cover?

[itsa300zx]

Oil can also leak from the VTC (intake) gears themselves, not just the cam seals.
BDE rebuilds them to levitate oils leaks.

[red coupe89]

Its on the plastic cover. Coming out of the seam between the lh and rh plastic covers. I think it may be a leaky fuel line. Has a faint smell of fuel and looks to be damp on the lower intake in same area.

[ThisIsSparTTa]

With engine running, remove enough timing belt cover bolts so you can get it to open a bit at the top. Put your rag or hand at the crack and see if its getting oil flung onto it.

Common problem is for the VTC intake gears to leak. I've had this on my car and a couple of friends. Take timing belt covers off. Take timing belt off. Take intake gears off. Try to turn the front and back of the gear in opposite directions by hand. If you can turn it by hand, then the gear is bad.

[red coupe89]

Thanks. Going to have to dig into it over the winter. Always paking it before i want too!!

Thanks every one

[red coupe89]

** will post an update once i find the source

[solaire]

+1 for vtc sprockets. If you didn't change their o-rings during the work they'll leak and immitate a can seal but throw more oil inside the cover being they sit out past the belt