Im not sure if theres oil "channels" throughout the block like their are coolant passageways, but im pretty sure that on the front of the head the only oil your dealing with is just oil splashing off the timing chain and or draining from the valvetrain, which would make a leak unlikely since its not pressurized. What about fuel? Are you sure its not fuel leaking from the filter and appearing black as it lifts old grease off parts it flows on?


Can you hold the engine at 2500-3000 rpm in nuetral for a few minutes after you clean the oil off, and watch where its comming from? Ive diagnosed a under-load leak that way.


What about the little oil line that supplies the ip with motor oil? I think it connects somewhere in that area

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1981 300SD 512k OM603