engine and drivetrain Leaking From Distributor Cover

[Rustpile]

Yes, I have searched, and I know that there is some kind of o-ring, somewhere. If someone could tell me where all the sealing points for this cover are, so I can keep some oil in the engine, I would be happy. It is driving me mental, I´ve tried two covers, and replaced the gasket six times. It leaks just as much. It is a steady dripping, maybe three drops every second, and it looks like it comes from the lower bolt on the cover.

 

I dont use a distributor, just a plug. and I don´t even need that cover, so I could just seal it completely if that is easier. Any suggestions much appriciated.

[Cyclone101]

Where exactly is it leaking? Do you have a picture?

It could be that the exhaust side rocker shaft plug is loose and pumping oil into the dizzy cover.

I assume you cleaned the mating surface properly when replacing the gasket, although, without removing the head it would be difficult.

[jimk]

One bolt is supposed to have a special sealing washer.  Are you using it?

[zinz]

I replaced the distributer flange gasket a few months ago. The replacement sealing-washer that I ordered didn't have the seal...it was just a washer. I had no time to re-order and used RTV on the washer and bolt heads. I've had zero leaks since then...

I think you are looking for #15 on this schematic

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=ST12&mospid=47140&btnr=12_0919&hg=12&fg=05

[Rustpile]

I am using the thick washer. It might be bad, but still, would it not leak from that bolt, and not from the bottom bolt? And would it leak that much?

[zinz]

The sealing washer (#12) actually has a tiny, rubber seal. Apparently, this particular bolt sees high pressure oil in the lower part of the flange. Without some kind of seal, oil WILL go everywhere! (as you already know)

Again, I used grey, differential RTV...allowing it to get tacky before assembly and didn't torque it so much that all the RTV squeezed out. I've had zero leaks, so far.

Are you SURE it's not leaking from the dizzy plug? I had an old Ireland Tii dizzy and it leaked profusely out the top of the flange. The O-ring on that dizzy was located higher than a stock dizzy (and Ireland's later dizzys) Ireland sent me a replacement and I now have ZERO leaks in the distributer and flange.

Not sure where your plug is sealing inside the flange, but perhaps that is your culprit?

Here's a picture of my old Ireland distributer and an original Bosch unit, comparing the placement of the o-ring. It made a HUGE difference! If the O-ring on your plug is too high, I bet that's what is leaking....

Check to see if there is oil near the top of the flange...just because you see the oil dripping of the bottom bolt, doesn't mean that's where it's originating... that's just the lowest point before it drips. Dry the backside of the flange with a paper towel, then run the engine for a bit. Then go back with a clean white paper towel and see if the oil is only at the bottom. That's how I determined my leak.

Good luck with it.

Ed

[jimk]

Be cautious with goobering RTV on that gasket.  Someof the holes are to pass oil and they could get plugged when the RTV squeeses on tightening.

[Preyupy]

The threaded hole in the head for the #14 bolt (with #15 sealing washer) goes all the way through to the head bolt hole.  This hole sees pressured oil from the rocker shaft.  If you don't use the sealing washer oil WILL get pushed past the threads and out from under the head of the bolt.  The comment about being very careful with the RTV is correct there is a "drain back " hole that keeps the oil level for the drive gears at the right level, plug up the hole and you can have pressured oil coming past the distributor o-ring or even coming up the shaft inside the distributor. 

[Beach_Bum]

I have a leak in the same area and have ordered the #15 washer. By chance, were you able to replace it without removing the housing or distributor?

[Krack]

The sealing washer (#12) actually has a tiny, rubber seal. Apparently, this particular bolt sees high pressure oil in the lower part of the flange. Without some kind of seal, oil WILL go everywhere! (as you already know)

Again, I used grey, differential RTV...allowing it to get tacky before assembly and didn't torque it so much that all the RTV squeezed out. I've had zero leaks, so far.

Are you SURE it's not leaking from the dizzy plug? I had an old Ireland Tii dizzy and it leaked profusely out the top of the flange. The O-ring on that dizzy was located higher than a stock dizzy (and Ireland's later dizzys) Ireland sent me a replacement and I now have ZERO leaks in the distributer and flange.

Not sure where your plug is sealing inside the flange, but perhaps that is your culprit?

Here's a picture of my old Ireland distributer and an original Bosch unit, comparing the placement of the o-ring. It made a HUGE difference! If the O-ring on your plug is too high, I bet that's what is leaking....

IE dizzy.jpg

Check to see if there is oil near the top of the flange...just because you see the oil dripping of the bottom bolt, doesn't mean that's where it's originating... that's just the lowest point before it drips. Dry the backside of the flange with a paper towel, then run the engine for a bit. Then go back with a clean white paper towel and see if the oil is only at the bottom. That's how I determined my leak.

Good luck with it.

Ed

how long did IE make the old distributor? Im using one of theirs and have been fighting an oil leak in that area ever since my rebuild, been about 3 years or so since i ordered mine