Yet another OM642 leak (again)

[TeddyRuxpin]

Thanks so much for the offer - the camshaft breather is top priority, I just missed MB parts today as they close at 2pm... I do notice a bit of residue around that area, but could just be old mess from when I changed the PCV a couple of years ago. I'll clean everything off today and see if it comes back. I won't be able to get to a MB parts as I'll be working in London all week next week.

I have changed the PCV, it was one of the first jobs on the engine a couple of years ago... it was one of the new updated style ones with the orange seal attached... very pricey @ MB.

I'm hoping that it could be something as 'simple' as the big orange turbo seal leaking and running over to that 'valley' in the engine, or even if it's the green o-ring, at least it's a 'simple' fix. I'm relieved that the fuel rails seem dry and there isn't a big obvious diesel smell.

Having said that, new batwings aren't cheap either. Here's a picture of mine, you can see both 'nipple holes' are cracked top and bottom. Because of this, I'm probably more guilty of under tightening it than over tightening...

 

[W1ghty]

Thats better I can see things now.

ok to do list

replace camshaft breather end casting as myself and @W1ghty did recently, also the pcv valve/pipe if you havent already done so, the big orange seal on the bat wing, change it out for new.
Dont over tighten it as it will crack the plastic more.

When you put the new turbo seal in before you push the batwing back up do it up slightly so that when you slide it on it cant force the plastic back and break it.

other option.

Get everything together and I can pop down to cardiff and help you fit and check things out.

Tip I was given years ago when fitting the orange seal , is use liquid hand soap to slide it on . This quickly dries and disappears

 

[MrGreedy]

I use a very thin smear of silicone grease. The thing is going to be holding back all the oil that gets through the rubbish PCV seal, so a tiny amount of silicone grease in that area isn't going to make any difference. I guess vaseline would do the same job, and it's not as if we need to worry about petroleum based products damaging the seal (soaked in filthy engine oil).

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

I tend to use a tiny bit of fairy liquid or silicone spray, yeah. I think I'm not tightening enough, I just use a flathead. Too scared of breaking it further.

FWIW Despite my better instincts, I have started the process of replacing the green o-ring... head torch on, neighbours looking at me like I'm from outer space

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Perhaps the culprit…. apologies for the filthy hands… forum is annoyingly rotating the pics but you get the idea

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

All back together, car starts okay but haven’t driven it yet. Hope I didn’t forget anything! I did use a socket bit rather than a flathead to tighten the batwing this time. The intercooler pipe all lined up nicely and made a good 'pop'. Hope the 'black seal' end went in nicely, though.

Anyway, treating it to a wash before driving back along the M4 for a week’s work in London England’s famous London, England.

@MrGreedy thanks for sorting the weather out this weekend, it’s been grand!

Cheers for all the help, will update if I see this issue return. Very relieved that it wasn't a fuel issue. Hoping it solves my intermittent juddering @ 1500rpm on very light throttle, but will be changing PCV metal breather cap in any case.

Ed

P.S. you can see my kitchen floor last night… can you tell that I live alone?
P.P.S. Still think the car looks great. Can’t believe it’s a 59 plate, it’s ageing very well indeed. As long as it behaves I have no reason to want to replace it.

 

[Larkone]

It'll be that green o-ring then

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Ha, you called it!

 

[Larkone]

Ha, you called it!

The clue was the issue you had putting the last one on. They are fragile and twist and tear easily if you move the pipe around too much. Liberal use of silicone grease is recommended.