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Rich
7th January 2006, 16:32
Hi all,

It would now appear that my diesel van has some serious problem that I can no longer ignore, and would appreciate some advice.

For a long time now the engine breather hose that goes to the air filter has been left off to get the emissions down at MOT time. There has always been a lot of steam and fumes from this pipe, but never to the extent and with the symptoms I am currently experiencing.

Firstly, I went to a show last year, peterborough way it was, and after 4 hours on the motorway, oil from this pipe had been blown underneath, and up and covered the back doors. Oil level on min, so filled up, all has been fine since. I assumed it was the speed time thing that has done it and the oil requiring a change.

Anyway, I came back from Bournemouth airport this morning to Portsmouth about 60 miles, and did a steady 70-75 all the way. I did notice a lot of smoke in the mirror, but thats normal so ignored it I then noticed the back windows were all blurred. Everything seemed fine, but on arivall at portsmouth, I returned to the van to discover a large puddle of oil and water underneath. Oil had covered the underside. It was running out the jacking points, it was all around the front wheels and arches, it was dripping of the sump/gearbox the subframe was covered it was even dripping off the towbar.

I check the level and she was dry, so filled up again with all I had which got it back min on the dipstick. Continued the journy, another 20 miles or so, not on motorways, when I stopped again there was oil and water leaking again, but I cant see where from.

Surly the crankcase pressure should never get this bad?

A few weeks ago I did have some coolent system issues, I seemed to spend a week chasing leaks, first the rad went, then the heater matrix, but all seems well there now. I have done the squeezy hose test but the pipes are still squeezable when cold when the engine is first started.

I have also noticed a slight lack in fuel economy.

Another thing is when warm or cold, not always but when you change up a gear a little early, and put your foot down, there is a definate knocking sound (not like a big end sound) almost like a pinking sound.


Can anyone throw any light on this? I have been thinking new engine time, then again I have the new LDV van brouchure here, and its getting tempting now!:horror:

Cheers Rich

MaestroTurbo
7th January 2006, 17:00
Surely if its been doing this for quite some time you would have investigated a little further? It could just be blocked up pipes or breathers causing the problem. Running with it disconnected you would also be drawing dust and dirt into the engine.

Rich
7th January 2006, 18:09
I did a clear out of the breather hoses some time ago, they were all oily, but perfectly clear. The oil and filter gets changed every 5000 miles regardless, so I do try and keep it well maintained. Theres no dirt getting sucked into the engine as the hole on the air filter is blocked off. I will put that pipe back on tomorrow though and see how that goes I think, but I expect it will just burn the oil rather than lose the oil.

I have had another poke around tonight with it, it seems the water is leaking from the front of the engine somewhere. Its running down to the bottom of the gearbox and the wiring harness on the front of the engine then dripping off. Core plug leaking maybe?

Jack
9th January 2006, 12:37
With all that oil on everything at least it won't rust!

RobertP
10th January 2006, 12:58
It may be irrelevant but I had a similar problem a few years back with my Landrover diesel. The whole of the back was covered in black oil. It turned out to be a split diaphragm in the lift pump. It was so embarrassing to be trailered back from the M1 courtesy of the RAC. It was probably quicker though!