Oil leak- 23hp Vanguard

[mpurss]

Hi folks, looking for some advice with an oil leak. Engine runs ok, although once I get home and put the cart in the garage I notice some oil dripping from the bottom of the engine, it's not a large amount. I also have oil spread around the engine bay so I assuming I have a seal or gasket gone. Any advice is appreciated, the attached images should hopefully show the issue. I have ordered a new alternator, voltage regulator and carb so the engine will need to come out soon anyway, it might be a good opportunity to change whatever I need too. Thanks!

[Shepard]

Originally Posted by mpurss

Hi folks, looking for some advice with an oil leak. Engine runs ok, although once I get home and put the cart in the garage I notice some oil dripping from the bottom of the engine, it's not a large amount. I also have oil spread around the engine bay so I assuming I have a seal or gasket gone. Any advice is appreciated, the attached images should hopefully show the issue. I have ordered a new alternator, voltage regulator and carb so the engine will need to come out soon anyway, it might be a good opportunity to change whatever I need too. Thanks!

How do you have your crankcase vent run?

[mpurss]

Hi, I didn't install the motor so assuming it's the stock route back to the air filter? I will have a closer look today when I get home. I am new to this so i'm using this forum as my guide... is there an easy way to tell how it is run?

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by mpurss

Hi, I didn't install the motor so assuming it's the stock route back to the air filter? I will have a closer look today when I get home. I am new to this so i'm using this forum as my guide... is there an easy way to tell how it is run?

Just follow the rubber hose from the valve cover to the air box, or wherever it goes. On my engine, the crankcase vent is on the right hand valve cover if facing the crank.

[slonomo]

Judging from the pics, I'm thinking all that oil is not coming from the crankcase vent. However, if the crankcase vent is plugged off, it would cause higher pressures inside the engine making it puke oil.

I'm betting you need a side cover gasket at minimum. Probably some valve cover gaskets. If you're taking the side cover off, you might as well replace the crank seals.

[mpurss]

Thanks guys, i will order a new gasket set and see how I go.

[Dave in VA]

The governor shaft looks exactly like the way CCP does theirs. If so, than all the governor parts should have been factory deleted. This cart is FOR SALE.

[mpurss]

me again, I found the crankcase vent tonight and yes there seems to be some oil coming from the pipe.. what is the diagnosis? Headgasket? I have attached some more images, the underside of the air box has oil on it too. I ran the engine for sometime and I am getting a healthy amount of air pressure from the pipe. I am assuming it spits oil when at higher revs? Can I reroute this pipe? On a positive note, I also managed to uncover the model information too, at least I can be sure what parts I am ordering.. If anyone could advise what gaskets/seals etc I need to order it would be really appreciated.

[Shepard]

Originally Posted by mpurss

me again, I found the crankcase vent tonight and yes there seems to be some oil coming from the pipe.. what is the diagnosis? Headgasket? I have attached some more images, the underside of the air box has oil on it too. I ran the engine for sometime and I am getting a healthy amount of air pressure from the pipe. I am assuming it spits oil when at higher revs? Can I reroute this pipe? On a positive note, I also managed to uncover the model information too, at least I can be sure what parts I am ordering.. If anyone could advise what gaskets/seals etc I need to order it would be really appreciated.

From the pictures you posted there is a considerable amount of blow-by and it's pushing oil out wherever it can. You should think about pulling the heads [after you do a compression test] and see what kind of piston slop you have. I would think it would be very noticeable. In all it's a runner - but a tired runner. There'll be other opinions or ideas - check them all out. A blown head gasket would most likely vent outside of the crankcase

[slonomo]

If you are getting a fair amount of pressure from the crankcase, then you likely have a well worn engine. As Shepard said it could be head gaskets, but it could be piston rings. Compression sometimes blows past the rings and adds pressure to the crankcase. A rebuild "might" be in order. If you catch it early enough, the rebuild could be basic, maybe just a hone and re-ring with all new gaskets and seals.