PAS

I noticed an oil leak over the weekend, so I took my car to a local garage thinking that maybe it was a loose oil filter or plug. He told me it was leaking out of the timing belt cover. The only 2 places I can think of that oil can leak through under the timing belt cover is the camshaft seal and the creak seal. He told me that some boost must be entering the crankcase and blowing the oil out a seal. I think I am in trouble. By the way, I have only 17k on my car, about 13k with APR's chip. Anybody have any ideas?

GDavis

Un chip and go to dealer

ARK

Leaking front cam seal is a common 1.8T problem.

CharlieG

On my first service, the service tech. noticed the leak (hadn't yet left anything on my garage floor). I was pretty surprised because at the time I had never seen anything like this posted on this board. I even posted a note but received no other responses of similar problems. My service advisor said it was only the second one he had seen (back in December of 98). I believe they replaced both cam seals on my car at that service.

On the plus side, it's been over a year since that service and the leak hasn't come back (although I did have a slight leak from the oil drain plug on my most recent service this past Monday). Since my car maybe goes through 1/2 quart of oil between services (which seems pretty low from what I've seen posted here) I'm not very concerned.

- Charlie
98.5 1.8TQMS (18,200 miles)
99.5 2.8 Avant Tip (5,000 miles)

PAS

nt

CharlieG

Don't really know for sure but I imagine it's a bit of work. I brought the car in on a Friday and got it back on Monday afternoon so although they had it over a weekend, I guess they were able to complete the job in under two days. The car has been rock solid since (some 13,000 miles/16 months now).

Best of luck with yours!

Charlie
98.5 1.8TQMS (18,200 miles)
99.5 2.8 Avant Tip (5,000 miles)