Source of all this oil/sludge?

[AC_Schnitzel]

First time looking under here...

Is there an easy way to tell if this is coming from the oil pan gasket or from a leaking valve cover? For the rack, leaking boots?

Any other possible sources?





Let me know what you think.


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[MrBurgundy]

It's really hard to say by looking at this pics, but a good way to go about finding a leak is; start looking from the top (of the engine) and work you way down.

It looks like caked on oil, not PS fluid. VC gaskets are a common leak and so are oil pans, so, look around you VC and if you don't see any residue or fresh oil, I'd look at the pan.

Also, a cheap good way to no for sure is to buy some UV die, add it to the oil and get a black light and trace it.

[AC_Schnitzel]

Right on. I guess the first step would be to degrease the shit out of everything and clean it up.

Thanks for the tip w/ UV dye.


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[nando]

that's rust proofing - BMW builds it into every car they sell. :p

[e30davie]

I changed all the seals on my m20 and 2yrs down the track and its covered in the same crap. It doesn't drip on the ground so i just keep the bonnet closed:)

[cat97628]

So I am the process of replacing all my seals and gaskets and mine looked just like yours. I pulled the engine and trans and found quite a few surprises for a car that ran without issue. The oil pan had several bolts that were finger tight. The oil pressure switch was leaking. The ol fulter housing was leaking. The crank case vent tube was missing an oring and was leaking. The three seals on the trans were leaking. The PS resivoir and hoses were leaking. All of this and you would think I would of had puddles under the car and yet it was dry as a bone in the garage. Time to think about a major refresh of the motor.

[AC_Schnitzel]

So I am the process of replacing all my seals and gaskets and mine looked just like yours. I pulled the engine and trans and found quite a few surprises for a car that ran without issue. The oil pan had several bolts that were finger tight. The oil pressure switch was leaking. The ol fulter housing was leaking. The crank case vent tube was missing an oring and was leaking. The three seals on the trans were leaking. The PS resivoir and hoses were leaking. All of this and you would think I would of had puddles under the car and yet it was dry as a bone in the garage. Time to think about a major refresh of the motor.

Oh man that sounds tempting... I don’t have the time, space, or money to do that right now

How much time/money did that cost you?

Any documentation, or parts lists?


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[cat97628]

I am going to put together a post this weekend outlining what it did and I am surprised at how stupid expensive this has gotten. I do not regret doing it as I was getting a bit worried to drive the car and now will be able to enjoy her a bit more than in the past. I just hope she fires back up this weekend or I am going to have explain to my wife how I spent a ton of money on a car that doesn’t work

[325e '87]

I’ll second the loose bolts possibility. The torque value on the oil pan bolts is pretty light but I check mine whenever I poke around under there, there’s usually a couple that don’t feel right. Hose clamps fatigue too.