Engine oil leak

jcrief · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2008

We have found an oil leak from a small hole under the oil filter that appears to be some kind of pressure relief or freeze plug.

This is on an 1982 Newport 30 MkIII with a Universal 5416 diesel engine.

Has anyone else experienced this and have a solution for stopping the leak?

Gorey · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2008

Some of the Universals had the alternator attached to the AL casting that forms the cover for the valve gear. These have been known to form hair line cracks. I think Marine Diesel Direct has a retro kit.

KeelHaulin · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

Sounds like you have a freeze plug that is corroding out or otherwise failing. This might be plugging a pressurized oil passage in the block; it would be very bad if it failed while the engine was running. If you can take a picture and post it here it would help determine the issue. You might also want to call a marine parts distributor like TAD or Torreson marine (both have websites) and ask for some technical assistance.

Karletto · #4 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

cater and filter are the lowest parts of the engine so it is very usual that you find oil on the filter but the engine leaks oil form above.

change the filter

jcrief · #5 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

My partner and a buddy fixed the leak. After cleaning off the oil, running the engine to find the drip, they discovered a hole (drilled like it was supposed to be there) that had the plug partially missing.

The theory is either a freeze plug or, since these are marinized Kubota tractor engines, it was a hole not needed for marine use.

They scrubbed the area clean, applied two layers of JB Weld and we no longer have a leak!