Oil Leak Sprung BWR Oil Spraying - LotusTalk

ACE51 · 05-17-2009, 03:38 PM

It looks like its coming out from that (is it a breather tube?) coming out of the front of the cam cover. I notice that it comes out of the cam cover as a metal tube then goes into a rubber tube that has a kink to get around the dip stick.

I was driving the car pretty hard and noticed this afterwards. Haven't noticed it before, then again I've only had the car for 1k miles and 600 of that was driving it home, figured that would be a good enough shake down run.

Anyone had this problem?

Anywhere else it could be leaking from?

Addictedto · 05-17-2009, 06:08 PM

Just a couple questions that may help. How many miles total on the motor? Did you do a compression check on the engine before the BWR install? Is the oil dipstick loose, or is the hose attached to the pipe loose? With the motor running, slowly and carefully remove the oil fill cap and tell us if there is any smoke coming out of the hole. If so would you say its a lot or a little.

ACE51 · 05-17-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addictedto

Just a couple questions that may help. How many miles total on the motor? Did you do a compression check on the engine before the BWR install? Is the oil dipstick loose, or is the hose attached to the pipe loose? With the motor running, slowly and carefully remove the oil fill cap and tell us if there is any smoke coming out of the hole. If so would you say its a lot or a little.

I bought the car with 10 K miles on it. The supercharger was not installed by me but I was told it was put on at 8K. I did check the oil before this happened, but the dip stick is secured. I am about to go take a further look and clean it up, i'll do the cap removal.

PS: sweet gullwing top! Those are hard to find.

plastique999 · 05-17-2009, 07:00 PM

I have had a problem before and after BWR install with blow-by.
I was losing tons of oil....eventually the motor blew....so be sure to figure out what's wrong. I agree with the compression and leak down test.

Addictedto · 05-17-2009, 07:37 PM

PS: sweet gullwing top! Those are hard to find.[/quote]

Thank you, I looked and waited for a long time to get this combination.

I hope you find something simple like a loose hose clamp or something. You should do a compression and leak down test either way to determine future engine/cylinder wear.

fzust · 05-17-2009, 07:55 PM

Looks like it is leaking around the breather tube. Make sure those clamps are tight.

ACE51 · 05-17-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plastique999

I have had a problem before and after BWR install with blow-by.
I was losing tons of oil....eventually the motor blew....so be sure to figure out what's wrong. I agree with the compression and leak down test.

thats scary! I just tightened up the clamps and will be more aware of the problem, wouldn't want that to happen.... then again I've always wanted to get a spare 2zz to bore, map, and blueprint, you know just as a spare

Demonized · 05-17-2009, 10:03 PM

Take her by a shop and get a leakdown test done.

Dragon · 05-18-2009, 04:21 AM

Clean it up with a little bit of brake cleaner and then look for where it's coming from... I would also concur that it is probably just loose hose clamps or the breather tube flange where it bolts to the cam cover.

Also not that this tube needs to be cut during the install so you may also want to check that the grommet is centered correctly over the cut area and not too close to one of the ends.

xtn · 05-18-2009, 12:49 PM

I can't imagine how oil would get in that spot and only that spot... unless it was just a bit of spillage on the valve cover when somebody poured the oil into the filler opening.

xtn

ACE51 · 05-18-2009, 01:13 PM

I cleaned the car after I bought it and made sure it was clean back there, I checked the oil but never put any in, I definitely didn't spill any. never added oil either.

ACE51 · 05-18-2009, 09:27 PM

Ok, no smoke coming out of the cap when its running.

It looks like its just the breather tube, the way it was cut means you have to put the clamps on at an angle, so when you go to tighten the clamps you can't tighten them because they slip off. I'll get a longer hose tomorrow. I drove it around before hand and there was even oil on my clam somehow??? hope this is the problem.

I pulled the panel off and changed the oil, figured it would be good to check since I just bought the car even though it only had 3k and a year on the oil in it. Oil looked fine.

Here are two pics of the cut tube:

Why is the breather tube cut? I guess this is for the supercharger install, looks like he could have left some straight tube to clamp down on if thats the case...

toedrag · 05-19-2009, 05:00 AM

sounds like the clamps aren't able to hold 100% of the time, and pressurized oil is squirting out occasionally, like you've got your very own little oil geyser.

Looking back at your first pic, it doesn't look like the clamp is even tightened down, although maybe you were tinkering with that piece when you took the photo.

I think you're right to get a longer hose if that allows the clamps to be fully engaged.

RichardNHCooper · 05-19-2009, 05:23 AM

I had a BWR self instal (now VF stg1) but I am sure the tube was not cut in the correct position as there should be at least 1" of straight tube above and below to clamp onto. I could send you mine if you need one that does work if you are happy to pay for postage from Australia.

Dragon · 05-19-2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardNHCooper

I had a BWR self instal (now VF stg1) but I am sure the tube was not cut in the correct position as there should be at least 1" of straight tube above and below to clamp onto. I could send you mine if you need one that does work if you are happy to pay for postage from Australia.

I can't remember exactly how I cut mine since it's been over a year, but I believe your are correct in that it was cut wrong during the install...

A longer hose should however fix your problem... Just make sure it's something that doesn't react with oil. Some forms of rubber will swell or get soft over time if they come in contact with oil, your best bet is to use silicone hose.

LordZ · 05-19-2009, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

Clean it up with a little bit of brake cleaner and then look for where it's coming from... I would also concur that it is probably just loose hose clamps or the breather tube flange where it bolts to the cam cover.

Also not that this tube needs to be cut during the install so you may also want to check that the grommet is centered correctly over the cut area and not too close to one of the ends.

If you use brake cleaner on the valve cover the coating will come off. Just an FYI as it's not bare metal. Contact cleaner is about the only thing other than soap and water I would use on that surface.

Dragon · 05-19-2009, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordZ

If you use brake cleaner on the valve cover the coating will come off. Just an FYI as it's not bare metal. Contact cleaner is about the only thing other than soap and water I would use on that surface.

Thanks for that... Some paint can handle it and some can't... I know the Chemtool I use is some pretty pissed off stuff...

LordZ · 05-19-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

Thanks for that... Some paint can handle it and some can't... I know the Chemtool I use is some pretty pissed off stuff...

np, didn't want him trying it and getting upset when his hands turned silver from the paint coming off.

This is the main reason I now have a powdercoated valve cover... Live and learn.

ACE51 · 05-19-2009, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordZ

np, didn't want him trying it and getting upset when his hands turned silver from the paint coming off.

This is the main reason I now have a powdercoated valve cover... Live and learn.

aren't they plastic? or are they just covered in plastic?

Dragon · 05-19-2009, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACE51

aren't they plastic? or are they just covered in plastic?

The valve cover is made of cast aluminum and then painted silver... The injector cover and spark plug covers are however plastic...

05-17-2009, 03:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
ACE51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 604	Oil Leak Sprung BWR Oil Spraying It looks like its coming out from that (is it a breather tube?) coming out of the front of the cam cover. I notice that it comes out of the cam cover as a metal tube then goes into a rubber tube that has a kink to get around the dip stick. I was driving the car pretty hard and noticed this afterwards. Haven't noticed it before, then again I've only had the car for 1k miles and 600 of that was driving it home, figured that would be a good enough shake down run. Anyone had this problem? Anywhere else it could be leaking from? __________________ 06 Exige CO BWRized 05 Civic "Special Edition" 05 Elise CO, Trim shop interior and other things...SOLD Last edited by ACE51 : 05-17-2009 at 04:31 PM.

05-17-2009, 06:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Addictedto the need for speed Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: south jersey Posts: 146 Images: 18	Just a couple questions that may help. How many miles total on the motor? Did you do a compression check on the engine before the BWR install? Is the oil dipstick loose, or is the hose attached to the pipe loose? With the motor running, slowly and carefully remove the oil fill cap and tell us if there is any smoke coming out of the hole. If so would you say its a lot or a little. __________________ '05 Elise, Storm Titanium, Gullwing top, custom pinstripes, LETSLA, stage II exh, BWR (sitting on coffee table)

05-17-2009, 07:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
plastique999 Form and Function Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alta Loma, CA Posts: 3,045	I have had a problem before and after BWR install with blow-by. I was losing tons of oil....eventually the motor blew....so be sure to figure out what's wrong. I agree with the compression and leak down test. __________________ www.FaceNBody.com 2005 Lotus Elise: 2bular decat\GT3 exhaust,HID's,turn signal&rear fins delete, CFside scoops, CFbinnacle,CFcenter console,Zoom CF mirror,APR Aero kit,CF 5-elem. diffuser,Exige mesh,Ohlins DA,RTD brace,RAC 'lites,Toyo R888's,HawkHT10's,CO painted calipers,SS lines,Reverie XC CF seat,Reverie CF steering wheel,Schroth Profi II 6 pt harness,shifter re-Enforcer,Manly mounts, Accusump,Moroso pan,BWR key to BWR S/C! Spec Racer Ford #237

05-17-2009, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Addictedto the need for speed Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: south jersey Posts: 146 Images: 18	PS: sweet gullwing top! Those are hard to find.[/quote] Thank you, I looked and waited for a long time to get this combination. I hope you find something simple like a loose hose clamp or something. You should do a compression and leak down test either way to determine future engine/cylinder wear. __________________ '05 Elise, Storm Titanium, Gullwing top, custom pinstripes, LETSLA, stage II exh, BWR (sitting on coffee table)

05-17-2009, 07:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
fzust 2009 XP National Champion Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 1,537	Looks like it is leaking around the breather tube. Make sure those clamps are tight. __________________ 2008,2009 X Prepared Solo National Champion

05-17-2009, 10:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
Demonized NOT ßANNED! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,546	Take her by a shop and get a leakdown test done. __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise, Katana Supercharger, LSS Wheels, 2Bular exhaust & cat, rear panel delete, Cup Airbox, Volt / Oil temp gauge, Ohlins double adjustable coilovers, Dual Oil Coolers, S111 RTD Brace, Moroso Oil Pan, MicroMirror, S111 "V-Force" Harness bar, Manly Engine Mounts, Odyssey PC680 & RLS Bracket, Saikou Michi OCC, CF Scoops, CF Bootlid, CF Front Lip.

05-18-2009, 04:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 1,742 Images: 2	Clean it up with a little bit of brake cleaner and then look for where it's coming from... I would also concur that it is probably just loose hose clamps or the breather tube flange where it bolts to the cam cover. Also not that this tube needs to be cut during the install so you may also want to check that the grommet is centered correctly over the cut area and not too close to one of the ends. __________________ 2006 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Clutch, Custom Exhaust, Black Volk Racing CE28N's w/ Toyo R1R's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue Pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Panels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, BWR Gauge Mount, OMP Superquadro steering wheel, LETSLA Short Shifter, V2arms, Rear Tow Link Brace, RLS Battery Bracket, BOE Tow Bar, Stickers.

05-18-2009, 12:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,845	I can't imagine how oil would get in that spot and only that spot... unless it was just a bit of spillage on the valve cover when somebody poured the oil into the filler opening. xtn __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods>

05-18-2009, 01:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
ACE51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 604	I cleaned the car after I bought it and made sure it was clean back there, I checked the oil but never put any in, I definitely didn't spill any. never added oil either. __________________ 06 Exige CO BWRized 05 Civic "Special Edition" 05 Elise CO, Trim shop interior and other things...SOLD

05-18-2009, 09:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
ACE51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 604	Ok, no smoke coming out of the cap when its running. It looks like its just the breather tube, the way it was cut means you have to put the clamps on at an angle, so when you go to tighten the clamps you can't tighten them because they slip off. I'll get a longer hose tomorrow. I drove it around before hand and there was even oil on my clam somehow??? hope this is the problem. I pulled the panel off and changed the oil, figured it would be good to check since I just bought the car even though it only had 3k and a year on the oil in it. Oil looked fine. Here are two pics of the cut tube: Why is the breather tube cut? I guess this is for the supercharger install, looks like he could have left some straight tube to clamp down on if thats the case... __________________ 06 Exige CO BWRized 05 Civic "Special Edition" 05 Elise CO, Trim shop interior and other things...SOLD

05-19-2009, 05:00 AM	#13 (permalink)
toedrag Crunchy Smurf Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 254 Images: 25	sounds like the clamps aren't able to hold 100% of the time, and pressurized oil is squirting out occasionally, like you've got your very own little oil geyser. Looking back at your first pic, it doesn't look like the clamp is even tightened down, although maybe you were tinkering with that piece when you took the photo. I think you're right to get a longer hose if that allows the clamps to be fully engaged. __________________ 2006 Laser Blue Elise -aka, Blue Lightning 2.0, The Little Blue Car, my automobile soul mate Last edited by toedrag : 05-19-2009 at 05:16 AM.

05-19-2009, 05:23 AM	#14 (permalink)
RichardNHCooper Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Perth, western Australia Posts: 51	Incorrect cut I had a BWR self instal (now VF stg1) but I am sure the tube was not cut in the correct position as there should be at least 1" of straight tube above and below to clamp onto. I could send you mine if you need one that does work if you are happy to pay for postage from Australia. __________________ 2006 111R Elise,VF stg 1 supercharged,HIDs,Harness bar, LETSLA,Nitrons, Ferodo DS 2500,FF engine damper. Saikou Michi catch cans.Toyota MWR Transmission Lotus 6-spd 3.9:1 LSD Uprated clutch.

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