Oil Leak 81 280TE
 

I have an 1981 280TE that has an oil leak from the front of the engine, that is causing oil to be blown back over the passenger side of the engine compartment. I have checked the timing chain tensioner port and it does not seem to be the culprit. My question is in searching for the cause I can't find the PCV valve (if the unit has one) if any one could give me a hint on its location and how to test it I would greatly appreciate it.

G

This is the M110 engine if this helps anybody

G

I was all set to say that it's the tensioner o-ring seal. Are you sure that's not it?

That, the cam cover gasket. cam box gasket, and front main seal are all that I am aware of that could cause this.

The crankcase ventilation is mid-way on the driver's side of the engine. You should see a tube from the intake manifold to the cam box. You remove the valve cover and it takes a giant screwdriver or flat piece of metal to remove it.

I looked at the tensioner using a flashlight and mirror and did not see any oil streaks that would indicate a leak. I do see oil on the front of the engine as well, so I am thinking it might be the front seal. My chiltons is rather poor at diagramming this engine and I don't find any instruction on how to replace the seal. I wanted to check the PCV valve but again my chiltons doesn't show where it is located or how to test it. The reason for this is the oil seems to come out when I run the engine hard for a long period (daily 90 miles round trip to work at 75 mph). When idling in the driveway it does not leak as much.

I'll look on the M110 CD and see what's there on the front seal - but I won't be back home until Thursday. Send me an email so I can attach it.

You can certainly start by doing all the stuff you need to do to get the balancer off the crank!

Update, I removed the vacuum line leading to the intake manifold from the valve box and discovered that there was a clog in the box. On removing the valve cover I found the hole leading to the vacuum line completely blocked and cleaned it out. I have now reassembled the car and am going to check on the leaks to see if there is any improvements.