xrapidx

I have a 2000 S2000 that I was planning on hanging onto forever, however, a small patch(1" x 1.5") of oil slowly appears in the spot marked in yellow a couple of weeks after an engine clean - I've always thought it was probably from dirty hands, and left it at that... noticed it almost 3 years ago.

This weekend I cleaned my engine bay - and after a quick run, opened the bonnet, and noticed a minute drop (think pin head minute) of oil appearing on the spot, I cleaned it, and sure enough, another one formed a couple of seconds later. No crack is visible - even on VERY close inspection.

Now I'm not sure what to do, and would really appreciate advice? Is it worth hanging on to the vehicle - or am I opening myself to a world of hurt later on.

It really has been a depressing discovery, considering the potential cost of a repair. I doubt I'd be able to find the head in South Africa second hand.

chris_barry

Get a dye penetrant test kit to make sure you dont have a big problem like a huge crank. Also make sure its not just leaking from the o ring at the hex bolt above your circle.

If its looks like a pin hole inclusion in the casting you can stop it leaking by gently peening the surface. This compresses the surface creating a leak proof skin.

Use a small ball peen hammer and start around the pin hole gently tapping the surface working in smaller circles around the pin hole till you finally tap the centre. When you have finished the area should look like a smooth shiny small circle.

Alternatively, use a flat ended punch that has been ground to a slight dome and a small hammer.

xrapidx

Thanks - I'll give it an even closer inspection tonight - my main concern is not always being able to see where the oil comes out - this is the first time I've ever noticed, and I have always quickly checked after wiping it off.

Its definitely not leaking from above, the actual patch starts about 2" below it - I'll see what it looks like tonight, and maybe take a photo - or update after a week or so.

My biggest concern is that something worse that this is wrong with the internals.

cdelena

That is typical and usually is caused by a porus casting. Most of the time it is just wiped off and ignored with no impact.

Suzuka_Joe

Stick a piece of bubble gum on it

chef-j

xrapidx

Seriously? I understand the basics with regards to vehicle mechanics - but this is something I have no idea on.

dsthez

if its been there for 3 years i would put jb weld or the equivalent on it if you dont want to replace the whole engine..

Sideways

As he said, just wipe it off.

realblag

Thats the timing chain area. There is no significant amount of oil to be lost there.