Oil leak from the timing chest - jx

Big lumps of metals and spanners. Including servicing and fluids.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
volks_womble
Registered user
Posts: 326
Joined: 12 Aug 2014, 14:46
80-90 Mem No: 13821
Location: West Sussex

Oil leak from the timing chest - jx

Post by volks_womble »

Whilst hunting reasons for my jx's use of oil, I found a leak emanating from behind the plastic timing belt cover - at the top end. It looks like this is most likely to be the camshaft oil seal - I didn't get time to actually remove the cover, and investigate fully though. Are there any common known failure modes for a jx in this area?

It is also weeping oil from around the rocker cover at the back of the block, above the exhaust manifold, so at the very minimum, it will need a new rocker cover gasket. I assume I would be best to change the timing belt too, since it has had oil contamination?

confirmation/advice much appreciated.

Thanks
Mark
1989 1.9TDI (AFN) California
1990 2.1MV Syncro Atlantic

California Dreamin
Registered user
Posts: 2673
Joined: 03 Apr 2007, 12:54
80-90 Mem No: 8386
Location: Nottingham

Re: Oil leak from the timing chest - jx

Post by California Dreamin »

What I can confirm is that Volkswagen intended the cam cover to be removed annually when the tappet clearances were checked as part of the service. Therefore, the cork gasket and rubber end seals would be changed at the same time.
The cork used goes very hard and brittle and leaks as a consequence of NOT following correct service schedule.

Martin
1989 California 2.1MV

Post Reply