Tracking an Oil Leak - Not the pan or rocker

Hi everyone,

I purchased my 2001 Jimny soft top last month and I love it. 

Working on it has been a dream but I'm having trouble locating an oil leak, I have yet to clean the whole engine but I was wondering if there were any pointers from the forum first.

As I said in the subject, I have changed the rocker gasket and put in an aftermarket sump gasket. I have also taken a look at the crank and cam seals while changing the timing belt which look ok (a little oil but not a leak).

From what I can tell its coming from the bottom front of the engine. Most of the gunk has built up between the oil and power steering pump. 

Its a relatively slow leak but id rather fix it if I can.

Many thanks

Sam

As far as I'm concerned, step one in finding an oil leak IS to clean everything up - it make it a lot easier to find the leak.

As far as it coming from the bottom of the engine, remember gravity pulls things downwards.

You said you were changing the timing belt, so you have the G13bb motor, apart from the cam & crank seals on the front of the motor there's not a lot in that corner to leak - there are a couple of oil gallery plugs which generally don't give trouble and the oil pressure switch which is a distinct possibility.

Thanks, I will locate and take a look at the switch.

Can the oil pump be problematic or is that unlikely?

The oil pumps rarely give trouble.

Bril, I will give it a good clean and post what I find

Bear in mind that the sump pan does not have a gasket as standard, it just uses sealant. 

Be prepared that the aftermarket gasket may not have cured the leak