Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Topic: Minor oil leaks, should I worry? (Read 1284 times) previous topic - next topic

Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

December 13, 2022, 11:31:25 pm

I worked out a deal with my winter storage owner and will be doing some maintenance on the coach in a dry concrete floor pole barn. (No heat but still better than my driveway in MN winter!) I was able to stop by briefly today and just took a look around the engine bay to make a mental note of things and snap some pics.

I am noticing some small oil leaks from a few spots. Want to see if there are any major concerns.

1. Ride height valves. I assume this means there was or is oil in the air system. Major deal? Better than water!

2. Air dryer dump hose. I noticed a small wet spot under this hose on the floor. When I parked it I dumped the bags with the hwh panel. I am assuming this blew some oil out of the dryer. The dryer was serviced in 2020 and I was planning on replacing the cartridge but perhaps a rebuild or replacement is in order? Major concern?

3. Transmission retarder solenoid. This is seeping out of the end it appears. What is the end of that? Major concern?

4. Transmission input thingy. Appears to be what I assume is an oring leaking. No drips but definitely a strong seep. Easy fix?

Thanks for any feedback!

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #1 – December 14, 2022, 06:43:05 am

I would rebuild or replace the air dryer. Our U295 has/had similar leaks at the ride height valves and dryer. The 8.3 has a Type E compressor and needs a dryer to match it or it will pass oil. The dryer had been replaced on ours with the wrong type. Definitely check that first.

In your second pic, is that an exhaust manifold bolt just hanging there loose?

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #2 – December 14, 2022, 07:03:57 am

To add to what Dave posted,
If that is the correct dryer set up for the compressor, you need to check the isolation valve for failure. You have the proper factory hoses for the isolation valve (isolation valve is on the dryer where the hose from the compressor connects) If this valve is stopped working it can cause the compressor to pump oil. If the compressor is pumping oil like it appears replace dryer.

#4 if that is the input electrical connection you are showing then yes there is an O ring seal that can be replaced. It could be the wire bushing that seals the wire off to the connector that could be leaking and is replaceable.

Mike

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #3 – December 14, 2022, 08:09:54 am

Not on your list but would definitely bite the bullit and get the Koni FSD shocks,it will be a huge improvement.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #4 – December 14, 2022, 08:43:13 am

Quote from: Dave Larsen – December 14, 2022, 06:43:05 am

In your second pic, is that an exhaust manifold bolt just hanging there loose?

They should call Dave "SHARP-EYED" - good catch!

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #5 – December 14, 2022, 09:34:14 am

Good spot on the bolt.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #6 – December 14, 2022, 09:59:20 am

I am completely confused by how you might have oil in your air system. Especially that much all the way out at a ride height control valve. How is that even possible?

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #7 – December 14, 2022, 10:22:22 am

Someone may have sprayed it at some point,you can take the rubber cap off and stick a finger inside and feel for oil,if you actually have oil coming from there it's time to completely rebuild the drier,you need the 2 kits and the isolation valve,valve can be found on Ebay.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #8 – December 14, 2022, 11:18:02 am

Quote from: Elliott – December 14, 2022, 09:59:20 am

I am completely confused by how you might have oil in your air system. Especially that much all the way out at a ride height control valve. How is that even possible?

Possible coming from the air compressor bad rings and air dryer passing it through. Look at the bottom of the air dryer. Looks like a lot of oil.

My first thought about oil in the air was it would make finding air leaks easy. Then I thought about the air going in and out of the air bags. I could see oil going in but not coming out and leaving oil in the bags.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #9 – December 14, 2022, 11:33:10 am

Quote from: turbojack – December 14, 2022, 11:18:02 am

Possible coming from the air compressor bad rings and air dryer passing it through. Look at the bottom of the air dryer. Looks like a lot of oil.

My first thought about oil in the air was it would make finding air leaks easy. Then I thought about the air going in and out of the air bags. I could see oil going in but not coming out and leaving oil in the bags.

That's the only scenario I can see too. At least the solenoid plungers are well lubed!

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #10 – December 14, 2022, 11:35:40 am

If a lot of oil is going through the air dryer it should show up when the wet tank is drained.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #11 – December 14, 2022, 11:48:36 am

Quote from: Dave Larsen – December 14, 2022, 06:43:05 am

In your second pic, is that an exhaust manifold bolt just hanging there loose?

Regarding your exhaust manifold pretty typical of these one piece manifolds breaking the end bolts due to shrinkage (the end bolts get pulled to center). Two piece manifolds are not available for your year 8.3 Cummins. Just had to address the same repair, didn't seem to matter how much I sprayed the bolts before removal still ended up with seven broken bolts. There is a upgraded one piece manifold with reinforcement between the exhaust ports to help with the issue.
I think the one broken bolt that I noticed had broke sitting in the driveway since it hadn't moved at all.

Cummins C8.3 Exhaust Manifold

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #12 – December 14, 2022, 12:06:31 pm

Just wondering here. Anyone tried using Socket Head Cap Screws? Is the hardness and tensile strength better than the hex head bolts? 39-45 HRC for sizes to 1/2" (per Holo-Krome)
Also, I discovered that an inadequate chamfer of the part hole the bolt is going into can cause bolt breakage, because there is normally a radius under any bolt head.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #13 – December 14, 2022, 01:36:32 pm

In general it's common for a diesel engine to have small oil leaks some easy to stop some not but doesn't hinder operation BUT you have to get that air supply and system cleaned up. Already been said how to do that.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #14 – December 14, 2022, 02:11:15 pm

Since we're on the oil leak topic.
We recently scheduled an appointment with Cummins to resolve an oil leak with our 8.3. I originally thought it was the timing cover so I had it resealed in Texas 2 years ago but that didn't solve it.
The Cummins tech used die and confirmed my new diagnosis,, it's the timing CASE. We'll I was prepared to have the fix it but the estimate was , wait for it.
$5200 and change.

It's coming from behind the idler pulley so I'm going to try cleaning it thoroughly and using a pray sealer. Any other ideas are welcome.
I know 5200 will buy a lot of oil but I hate leaks and so do some RV Parks.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #15 – December 14, 2022, 02:36:11 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – December 14, 2022, 02:11:15 pm

Any other ideas are welcome.

Is the case steel or aluminum?

Steel can be brazed or welded.

I've repaired cracked aluminum oil pans and valve covers with aluminum epoxy putty. Made by J-B Weld and others. The key is the preparation. Look up Youtube videos for tips on how to apply.

Amazon.com: Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond 6.5 oz Aluminum Putty Repair Kit : Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #16 – December 14, 2022, 03:06:44 pm

Chuck.
The case is aluminum but the tech did tell me that he thought it was the original paper gasket that may have failed. They use a new one that is metal with a rubber edge of sorts.

He didn't endorse any product but did say that prep / cleaning was the key. Two days to remove that thing, clean and new gasket apparently.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #17 – December 14, 2022, 04:20:14 pm

If you have oil under the air dryer as said above be concerned about the compressor passing oil .that's one of the first signs of a problem air compressor.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #18 – December 14, 2022, 04:31:54 pm

Before air driers were invented i've seen compressors pass so much oil that when you went to drain an air tank milky oil would run for 5 min before any air could be heard. Can wreck any air valve in the system plus if put in sub freezing weather the unit wont be moved.Of course if we would have had a drier it would have been over run with that much mess. On a 8.3 the compressor is a bear to get off compared to others.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #19 – December 14, 2022, 04:56:47 pm

Look up a product called Belzona,reccommended by Caterpillar to repair engine blocks,much better then anything out there,
used it many times.

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #20 – December 14, 2022, 06:57:43 pm

I have suspicions the air dryer and isolation valve are junked up. I think I will just replace the entire dryer with the updated internal valve. I say that is step one. Also will pull lines at compressor and check for blockages. Will also drain wet tank and see how much oil.

If the compressor is bad I assume I can rebuild it. Anyone know what the compressor model number is for my coach?

I noticed the exhaust bolt after I posted that pic! It's not loud but I will be taking a closer look next trip out. Unless several are broken or manifold is cracked I prob won't touch that yet....

Anyone know more about the retarder solenoid leak? Should I worry?

I'll look up oring for the transmission leak. I need to do the transynd swap and new filter too.

Not sure if I'm going to tackle airbags and shocks yet ..they are due but I might just carry some spare bags for emergency repair for now. It is high on the list but would prefer to do in the summer.

I also will be digging into the dredded vibration issue with my suspected P3 bearing problem. Lots to do. Trying to leave in Feb. Also doing massive maint overhaul on my new to me Suzuki Samurai before the trip!

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #21 – December 14, 2022, 09:28:15 pm

Quote from: nbluesky – December 14, 2022, 06:57:43 pm

Anyone know more about the retarder solenoid leak? Should I worry?

That will fix itself when the dryer/compressor issue is corrected. Every time the retarder is used the solenoid activated and releases air thus another spot. With your coach being built during a swap over year you will have to check the compressor tag as there were 2 different compressors used. As far as the dryer with the isolation valve internal the old style like you have presently will be less of a headache in the long run but dwmyh.

Mike

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #22 – December 15, 2022, 09:41:27 am

Quote from: nbluesky – December 14, 2022, 06:57:43 pm

If the compressor is bad I assume I can rebuild it. Anyone know what the compressor model number is for my coach?
/quote]

The compressor id plate on our '97 says:
P/N: 3558052RX
MODEL: QE296C

Here's a link to info on the required dryer:

https://www.haldex.com/globalassets/north-america/documents/compressors/l26005.pdf

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #23 – December 15, 2022, 01:05:51 pm

Great feedback, thanks for the details Dave and Mike! I will check the model I have next trip to the barn. I need to get some parts ordered asap so I can get going on this!

Re: Minor oil leaks, should I worry?

Reply #24 – December 15, 2022, 03:08:06 pm

Quote from: nbluesky – December 14, 2022, 06:57:43 pm

I have suspicions the air dryer and isolation valve are junked up. I think I will just replace the entire dryer with the updated internal valve. I say that is step one. Also will pull lines at compressor and check for blockages. Will also drain wet tank and see how much oil.

If the compressor is bad I assume I can rebuild it. Anyone know what the compressor model number is for my coach?

I noticed the exhaust bolt after I posted that pic! It's not loud but I will be taking a closer look next trip out. Unless several are broken or manifold is cracked I prob won't touch that yet....

Anyone know more about the retarder solenoid leak? Should I worry?

I'll look up oring for the transmission leak. I need to do the transynd swap and new filter too.

Not sure if I'm going to tackle airbags and shocks yet ..they are due but I might just carry some spare bags for emergency repair for now. It is high on the list but would prefer to do in the summer.

I also will be digging into the dredded vibration issue with my suspected P3 bearing problem. Lots to do. Trying to leave in Feb. Also doing massive maint overhaul on my new to me Suzuki Samurai before the trip!

Noah....when you do the Transynd and filters....take look at the bottom seal after pulling the filters..early transmission had square seals on the filter base and they are not supplied in the filter kit that your going to buy ,only the round seals are supplied. They cannot be used if it has the square seals.
Hope that helps..
Hans

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