So I passed 1000 miles...and...compression question!

[Sean]

Well - I took a look at a bunch of stuff. The oil doesn't seem to be finding it way down the front of my block anymore - so I'm really at a loss. There's a good amount of oil collecting on my bell housing and my tranny - but I honestly cannot find it's trail leading to there! There's a bit of oil around the silver gasket thing on the intake side of the block. I think it's the thing that the oil pump gear hooks to (the part that actually spins the oil pump). Was this supposed to be replaced - cause I never replaced a gasket in there? It's a little wet with oil, and I'm not sure why.

Other than that - I cannot find oil trails anywhere on my block. Other than some dust and dirt - there's nothin! I'm really confused about this. I checked my oil level last night and it wa back up - really wierd, not sure why - but, none the less - I haven't lost a whole lot of oil.

I know for a fact it's not coming out of the bell housing (even though it's collecting right at the hole). I took the bottom bell-housing brakcet off - and it was dry as a whistle in there. Not a single trace of oil anywhere in there - which makes me happy. Thats the last place I wanted oil leaking when the engine's brand new and all - lol

Overall - I'm trying to track down this leak. It's not coming out of the front exhaust side between the head and the block - it's dry there too. So, I'm honestly very confused about this. Maybe it's not engine oil - maybe tranny oil? Maybe I overfilled it and it's coming out of the breather pipe at the top? Does that sound possible? Only issue with that is - it doesn't smell like tranny fluid nor does it look like it. But, for the love of me - I cannot track down the oil's path!

Thoughts and opinions welcome! :D

[nando]

that oil pump plug thingy has an o-ring, I would def. replace it with a new one. it's not too hard to get out either.

mine is leaking a small amount from the typical M20 spot - the front oil return on the head/block. oh well :D

[325ise30]

Mine leaked from the head gasket for 2-3k after replacing it and then completly stoped. Ive now had 10k leak free miles, I think somtimes it takes the gasket a while to seat.

[Sean]

that oil pump plug thingy has an o-ring, I would def. replace it with a new one. it's not too hard to get out either.

mine is leaking a small amount from the typical M20 spot - the front oil return on the head/block. oh well :D

So, that's still changeable? How would I get that thing out of there? Sure doesn't look very easy to remove...

[rs4pro3]

undo the 13mm bolt that holds the plate on above it, Then slowly pry around the edges with a flat head screw driver. It will slowly pull right out.

[nando]

yeah, you have to pry it out with a flathead. be careful not to get any metal shavings inside the block, you'll likely scrape some off the plug with your screwdriver because it's soft aluminum. you can also use it to prime the oil pump with a new motor :)

[Sean]

Bummer, wish I had known it was that easy to pull off before my engine was in! lol I'll do it before my oil change - so if metal does get in there, I'll get it out.

Speaking of oil - I've hit about 1600 miles now - is it safe to switch to synthetic?

[PeaveyBassist]

Picture of the oil pump plug thingy please.

Will

[rs4pro3]

Silver round thingy in that pic