Fiat Ducato 2.3jtd oil leak

gypo

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Hello people,
We are just about coming to the end of a 2 weeks jolly around france, we have probably covered 1200 miles.
I checked the oil about 4 days ago and noticed it wasn't even showing on the stick!! So I went out and bought a gallon.
I couldn't work out why it was so low, I changed the oil about 1000 miles ago and all was well.
The van has only done 38000 although is 11 years old.
At the time of changing I bought the best at the time that was recommended by the shop.
Morris 5-30w fully synthetic.
Now today after keeping an eye on it I've noticed a leak!
Anyone have any knowledge of these engines that can offer advice please?
Thanks
D
 
Is the leak coming from the crank seal ?

If it is the oil you are using is too thin and you need to go back to 10W40 semi-synthetic asap.

If caught early enough the leak will stop.

It's a common problem on the older engines.
 
Many thanks for the reply, not sure as I can't get under the van to have a look at the moment, still in st Malo ATM. When I get home I'll change the oil again asap. Hopefully this will sort it.
Thanks
D
Ps
You say go back to semi, is that what it should be then?
D
 
Just thinking make sure oil filter hasn't loosened off or failed ,you replaced recently .
 
The oil you have is fine and thicker oil wont stop leaks,as others have said look at oil light switch,rear and front crank seal,rocker cover seal, also look at filter in case loose and sump nut,trace the oil leak after a engine bay wash if you are not sure where its coming from.
STP do a product called stop leak which softens old hardened oil seals.
Id say if fault has only happened then somethings loose ,do also look at oil filler cap seal or sump vent hose.
 
Many thanks, good advice. When we get home I'll check it all out.
D
 
Have you got breakdown cover if so call em out to check it out like trev says you might tanning the engine in otherwise!
 
hi
run it up on a curb to gain access underneath. buy some cans of
brake cleaner and spray on to clean all the oil off. you may have to remove
the cover tray underneath to do it. then when its cleaned off you can see the leak
with a torch.
 
Thanks all or the advice,
I'll try get under it today and have a look. Yes we got break down cover, would they come out for this then?
Thanks
D
 
gypo said:
Thanks all or the advice,
I'll try get under it today and have a look. Yes we got break down cover, would they come out for this then?
Thanks
D
Click to expand...

Of course they will attend ,get yourself parked in a nice place call them now tell them you have a fluid you think is oil leaking. out and let them do the rest ,
 
We had the same thing earlier this year. Van had been serviced and done 3,000 miles since over Easter without problems. Noticed an oil leak on a shorter trip at Whit, and it was the oil filter seal. Apparently they need to be scrupulously clean before being tightened up, and also, smeared all round with oil so they don't catch when being tightened. The garage (Fiat Professional) we went to reckoned this was the problem, and when the engine gets hot, especially with modern thin oil, it gradually finds a way out unless the seal is properly made. Anyway, they replaced the filter and we've done another 6,000 miles since without problems.

I'll make sure I mention it to the (non-Fiat) place we get it serviced at next time.
 
Modern oils as such are not thiner ,they have a better or wider viscosity,ie when cold the low number say 5w means there thin when cold to get to bearings faster,but when warm it thickens to 40w keeping pressure up.
I use a asda semi sinth 10/40 in my car 314 th miles,years back most engines we knackered at 40/60 th.
 
First off thanks to all for their input and advice on this.
Just an update, all sorted now. It turned out to be a leak from the oil filter seal, we took it off in the garage and cleaned it up just for a quick fix but still it leaked so it was a case of a new filter and oil change.
Cheers all
D
 
Cheap repair,just think if it had been driven and the engine failed? £thousands repair

Glad of your outcome,did you use the breakdown serves?
 
Yes. Not a lot of help tho, wanted to drag the van off to their garage.
I was only a stones throw from the ferry so decided to chance it.
D
 
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