Date:         Fri, 22 Aug 2014 08:41:32 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Advice about black oil on back of diesel Vanagon
Comments: To: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net>
In-Reply-To:  <53F7454E.6080003@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Many times, the spots on the back of a diesel are either fuel or coolant,
and not oil. It gets dirty on its way out if it passes over just about any
part of the engine. Check the factory-installed puddling pools located
beneath and around the IP for fuel.

If the block doesn't have a relief hose going out the side near the oil
filter to the manifold, separator, valve cover, etc it probably should.

Check the dipstick and oil filler holes to see if the engine is puking a
little oil, or if it is leaking on the bottom somewhere.

If the car is spitting oil, it will thrown some on the driveway for you to
look at unless it only happens under load, which is really hard to figure
out sometimes. The best way to approach a hard-to-find diesel leak is just
keep it clean until you figure out which part gets dirty the fastest.

Jim


On Fri, Aug 22, 2014 at 8:27 AM, Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:

> OK, here is the deal.  A white 82 diesel Westy.  It has a relatively low
> mileage 1.9l NA engine in it and a rebuilt fuel pump with all new
> injectors.  The customer is complaining about "black oil" spots on his
> back hatch.  The engine isn't leaking or using oil.  I am thinking that
> it is soot from the exhaust and that there is really no way to make it
> stop, but I thought I would ask the list if anyone has any advice on
> this one for me.  I would appreciate it.  The van runs and drives fine
> otherwise.  If it wasn't white it would probably not be that much of an
> issue.  Really pristine example of an 82 Westy though.
>
> --
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
> Phone: 856-327-4936
> Fax: 856-327-2242
>