I have a 2003 Evo with over 112k miles, and my tuner opened the engine about 17k miles ago to do a cam install and swap out the head studs. I chose not to have the entire head pulled (I know, bad). About 7k miles ago, I noticed oil on the fittings that hold the lines for the oil cooler (engine side, near the oil filter). And I could see a drip of oil coming from the timing cover area. The strange thing is that there would be no oil on the ground when I let the car sit for periods of time. I replaced both sets of lines, gaskets, and screws running to and from the oil cooler, no dice.

I took it back to my tuner recently and he said that the valve cover gasket and cam seals were bad. I asked him to check the head gasket too. The bad seals were replaced, and when I picked the car up, he assured me that the head was not leaking. The problem area was free of oil for a few days, but now I notice oil on the fitting again (albeit, less than before).

Upon further inspection, I found the source of oil still appears to be around the timing cover area (same as before, smaller amount). I know my car is tuned with alot of miles, but I was wondering if you guys could give me any ideas as to what could be the problem. The oil still doesn’t puddle on the ground, and I'm only losing a negligible amount. I just don’t like my car having an oil leak.

Thanks!

 

well if u have over 100k whats to say that the lines arent leaking them selves....i had them leak on me around 50k, all u need to do is have some debris in the road hit it. check under there with it running, if its not from the timing cover area, you have the oil drainplug, and oil filter in the same vacinity as your oil cooler and lines, just look.........

 

Sorry, I left out more info. I replaced both lines that run to the oil cooler first, thinking that was the problem. It could be trace amounts of oil leaking from around the filter.

Thanks!

 

Another thing to check is the oil pump seals. They are recommended to be changed at 65k during the replacement of the timing belt. I too have seen leaking in this same area on a number of evos. Have you ever installed anything on the oil filter housing, like a oil temp or pressure gauge? This too can lead to oil leaks if installed incorrectly.

 

Oil pump seals, great suggestion! I've had the timing belt replaced once, but it wouldnt surprise me if the dealership didnt replace the oil pump seals. I'm sure my 2nd timing belt install will happen this year/early next year. I'll have those replaced as well (I may just get a new oil pump too). I havent installed anything on the oil filter housing.

 

Either pull the timing cover and have a look or go ahead and do the belt job. To fix a leak you need to trace it to its source.

 

Just wanted to update the situation. I had the camshaft seals and valve cover seals replaced, and oil still leaked. On a whim, I replaced my PCV valve and I added a catch can in-line between the PCV valve and intake manifold. I havent seen oil in that area since I've done those 2 things (which was about 5 months ago).

I've seen a few threads on EvoM about oil leaking from the very same area that I saw. Hopefully this will help.

 

well to help if it starts leakin from back there a pesky oil leak issue my tuning shop found was coming from the seal for the oil dipstick tube...might wanna look into that. good luck

 

OFH, Balance Shafts, Front casing, Crank Seal, Oil filter has a gasket Ring inside the housing, if the head is leaking, you can tell from a leak down test. Good luck with everything.
-Shane