[discodude]

Hi Guys, I have not been on here for quite a while, due to the fact I have sorn my cabriolet, and lost interest.
I now want to get it back on the road, but first need advice.
I had an oil leak, which I was told was down to my cam belt/seals.
cam belt and seals were changed, but it was still leaking.
the garage changed these a second time {free of charge},but also said I have got a weeping head gasket!
it was still leaking!!!
it went back and they are now saying I need new cams.
this again was not charged.
they said I can still use the car, but I need to keep topping up the oil.
at this point I sorn the car.
so, what should I do, and how bad is a weeping head gasket.

thanks

[crepello]

It depends to an extent which type of engine yours has, as to the urgency of sorting a head gasket weep, and also which fluid is involved. If it's a K-series, and oil is the fluid, then I would be surprised if it could escape without also entering the coolant circuit and setting you up for a messy gasket replacement job.

A bit tricky shaking down a car post-repair when it's on SORN, and MoT has run out!

[discodude]

hi and thanks.
the car is a 97 216 cabriolet, and yes its got the K series engine.
I've already had the engine replaced due to hgf!
it passed the mot in july,2014 I think, then I got the leak in August.

please help

[220 GSi turbo]

I have had a few K-series cars with oil leaking out from the timing belt end of the engine but no problems with internal oil + water mixing.

It is messy, but if it is not getting inside the timing cover and contaminating the belt, it is not a high risk.

[ROVER Cabby]

The Cam Seals on my Dad's 25 were leaking but got that all sorted and cleaned up, no
sign of leakage now, just wondering why they replaced the cams ?

[220 GSi turbo]

They probably saw some polish marks on the cams where the seal lips have rubbed on them and are assuming that the oil must be passing through there.

[discodude]

hi guys, the cams have not been replaced, they have just said I need new cams?
this was after changing the cam belt and seals twice.

[E_T_V]

It is very unusual to need new cams. However camshaft oil seal leaks are more common.

Oil leaks from the headgasket are pretty much unheard of (They leak water though!).
Oil leaks from the cam ladder can occur especially if the wrong sealant is used - it is unusual stuff.
Oil leaks from the cam cover are relatively common and easy to fix with a new gasket. They are usually a very slow leak though.

Depending on the types of cam seals fitted they need to be fitted the right way around, i.e. the ones on one end of the engine are different to the other end. They are different colours to denote which end they need fitting in.

Some later aftermarket seals are not directional and can be fitted in either end.

[discodude]

hi guys, thanks for your replies.
think I will get a second opinion, especially as I want it back on the road.

[Nudge]

It is very unusual to need new cams. However camshaft oil seal leaks are more common.
Depending on the types of cam seals fitted they need to be fitted the right way around, i.e. the ones on one end of the engine are different to the other end. They are different colours to denote which end they need fitting in.

Some later aftermarket seals are not directional and can be fitted in either end.

I also think its what ETV says.....I did replace my ones on the cab, as I had the same problem.