leaking oil all over heat shield

Jutboy · Post by **Jutboy** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 12:46 am

The exhaust heat shield on the passenger side of my 91 Legacy SS is constantly being cover in oil. Its getting worse everyday.

I changed my valve cover gaskets. Its still happening. What is leaking? How do I fix it?

Thanks much - Justin

ericem · Post by **ericem** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 12:51 am

Maybe something to do with the power steering. Or the seal on the crankshaft in the back.

Jutboy · Post by **Jutboy** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 1:27 am

I changed the powersteering pump about 6 months ago because it was leaking really bad. Following the lines down makes me think its not it.

So the crankshaft seal would leak behind the timing belt cover? Wouldn't it just go straight down? I cracked open both sides of the timing belt cover and the belt looks perfect and theres no oil to be seen.

Thanks -Justin

ericem · Post by **ericem** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 3:05 am

I mean in the back of the motor. You would need to remove the tranny to replace it though.

dropdfocus · Post by **dropdfocus** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 3:34 am

The rear main seal (crank seal) would leak on to the cross member and then down from there. Are you certain that the camshaft plugs (half circle pieces at the rear of the head) are sealed? Since they can become brittle, they can leak. Also, when you replace the valve covers, run a bead of black RTV in the channel before placing the gaskets in. My buddy (mechanic at a private Subaru garage) informed of that one since 9 times out of 10 they come back leaking if you didn't add the RTV.

Just something to think about.

kleinkid · Post by **kleinkid** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 3:43 am

My guess is it is the rear cam seal on the passenger side. Do you have a turbo or NA? It is fairly easy to get at if you are NA. A little harder if you are turbo. If you are NA, get qty. one, part # 806946030. If you are turbo, get qty. one of those, and qty. two, of # 806915110. These are all o-rings.

subytech · Post by **subytech** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:09 am

dropdfocus wrote:The rear main seal (crank seal) would leak on to the cross member and then down from there. Are you certain that the camshaft plugs (half circle pieces at the rear of the head) are sealed? Since they can become brittle, they can leak. Also, when you replace the valve covers, run a bead of black RTV in the channel before placing the gaskets in. My buddy (mechanic at a private Subaru garage) informed of that one since 9 times out of 10 they come back leaking if you didn't add the RTV.

Just something to think about.

These cam plugs, or half moons as we call them at the shop are only used in the DOHC heads and would not apply to this engine unless you have put DOHC heads on your car, If your leak is from the front of the engine i'm going to say its probubly the cam seal at the front of the engine. If its from the rear of the passengers side its probubly the rear cam O-ring, a PITA to changes because of the turbo coolant and oil lines (which could also be leaking) that come from the head in this aria. If its coming from the center of the rear of the engine its going to be the rear main or rear the rear baffle plate either way the trans, or, in my mind the easer rout, engine have to be taken out of the car. If its coming from the front of the engine just re-seal the both cams, the left cam oring and the oil pump, also wouldnt be a bad idea to to timing belt and water pump, but i like to go a little overboard myself. When you did your VC's you replaced the bolt gaskets right? Any way hope i could help good luck.

dscoobydoo · Post by **dscoobydoo** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 5:16 am

Turbo oil drain line?

When mine ran brittle, it dripped and smoked bad.

kleinkid · Post by **kleinkid** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 7:12 am

He said he was not leaking at the front. Rear cam seal(o-ring), or like Drew said, turbo oil line( if he has turbo). I'll bet you two turkey legs and a neck!

dropdfocus · Post by **dropdfocus** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:36 am

subytech wrote:These cam plugs, or half moons as we call them at the shop are only used in the DOHC heads and would not apply to this engine unless you have put DOHC heads on your car,

I am aware they are only on the DOHC head. Just trying to cover any & all posibilities. Thanks.

subytech · Post by **subytech** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:18 am

Well no offence but you should clarify that in your post next time instead of assuming that he knows what your talking about. Thats all I was trying to do.

subytech · Post by **subytech** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:20 am

kleinkid wrote:He said he was not leaking at the front. Rear cam seal(o-ring), or like Drew said, turbo oil line( if he has turbo). I'll bet you two turkey legs and a neck!

My bad I need to read more better

and he did say it was an ss

Jutboy · Post by **Jutboy** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 7:51 pm

yep...its an ss with a turbo. Its so hard to see whats happening in there.

Thank you all for the help.

I put some gasket sealent in this last oil change and hopefully that will last the winter till I can take the engine out.

Post by **Legacy777** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:42 pm

it may be a stupid question, but when you replaced the valve cover gaskets, did you replace the grommets for the three bolts?

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