Got a small oil leak which drips on the exhaust and really stinks when idling.

The leak is just above where the exhaust comes out from the motor, very hard to see exactly where the leak is, even looking from below.

MY98 WRX STi (import)

Anyone else had this, or knows what gasket(s) i need to buy to fix this ?

Same problem.................smoke on idle, smelled acidic.........couldn't see where it was coming from............ turned out to be the crank seal :) now repaired and running sweeter.........

Hope that helps

Nick

Nick

I may have a similar problem with a mystery oil leak. Can you tell me whats needed for the crank seal repair. Is this something you can do yourself or is it a get in the garage job.

Cheers in advance

This is a common fault on Subarus. You need to replace the cam cover gasket and the rubber half moons which come in the gasket set. It is usually the half moons where the leak occurs. Oil drips from the cam cover onto the hot headers and burns so often there is no trace of oil under the car.

Hope this helps.

Harvey :)

I think that more or less answered the question. Mine went into a local garage. Still a little smoke from the residue oil on the exhaust but it seems to have stopped leakin :)

Noticed mine doing it too :eek: have oil all down the sump but none on the driveway :confused: Is it a major job to get repaired? I am due a service in a few months so it might have to wait until then

Not a big job for someone who has done it before and there is no real problem leaving it for a bit. Just that when you smell the burned oil it makes you think of knackered bottom ends. Just for a split second.
Who does your servicing?

Minor services are done by a friend who runs a garage near Ripon but major ones I go to Gibsons of Brock near Preston as they are an ex main dealer that are happy to do my WRX and have always done a great job. It's a bit of a drive but I have friends in Preston so I just go and see them while the cars being done. I notice you're in Darlington, where do you get yours done?

Thanks for the info, now i know what i need, will make things alot easier.

The burning oil smell drives me crazy when idling.

When i order cam cover gasket and the rubber half moons, anything else i need ?

More engine oil maybe ?

If the leak is at the front of the engine (not where you describe but someone else mentioned it) then it is most likey front crank seal.. you have to remove the cambelt and replace the seal..
expensive..

Best to get it changed along with the second cambelt change to try and prevent this as cost if then only the seal like and likewise rear oil seal with clutch although they seem to be less frequent leakers..

Front seal seems to go about 100k or 5years..

JGM

Just spoke to a guy on the phone. Looks like its the Rocker Cover Gasket.

To get all the stuff in one pack cost me £40.

Cheers for the advice.

Hi Charlie: Quite a bit I do myself using the facilities at John Pye Motor Sport, Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland. 01388 661107. They do anything I cannot undertake myself,like fitting the front LSD. They build rally cars and currently run three teams including Barry Johnston who runs a W.R.C. car. Engine build was Rodger Clark Motorsport and when I decide to move on from the current two litre I will probably get Matt Clark to do it.

Im gonna have to check over again but last time I was under the car (two weeks ago) I noticed a slight dribble of oil coming from up above the gearbox, I couldnt see the source and didnt bother with it. Now im getting the oil smell idle too and im fearing that it could be the rear Crankseal, which I believe means gearbox out? Downer :( I had a quick look today to see if I could see any sign of oil from the cam covers from above the engine but couldnt see anything.
Anyone have advice??

Sorry to hear that...

I think you can change the rear seal with gearbox in along with the clutch... but I could be wrong.. mine is still okay on my car at the minute.. touch wood..

JGM