Hello everyone. It's been a while since I was on here! I was the original owner of the Fabia VRS LE #19 back in 2007 but unfortunately had to exchange for something bigger due to family commitments.

 

I recently just purchased myself another MK1 Fabia VRS due to its low mileage (50k).  However, I think I may have been to hasty as I didn't do much diligence work and have noticed this oil leak(?) on the underside of the engine.

 

Can anyone tell me if it is serious?

 

Thanks in advance.

Do we get a prize for guessing correct?

 

Not sure why there is a hole in the tray, or what part that is.

 

Intercooler connection?

15 minutes ago, SuperbTWM said:

Do we get a prize for guessing correct?

 

Not sure why there is a hole in the tray, or what part that is.

 

Intercooler connection?

Lol, no prizes mate sorry.

 

Not sure what it is but I'll try and get a more revealing picture tomorrow and post it on here.

 

Thanks

Take the under tray off and all will become clear 

It's not serious.

7 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

It's not serious.

Thanks, can you elaborate anymore on the issue?

A minor oil leak on a 15 year old car is never serious, I can't remember the last time I saw an engine of that vintage that was completely dry, never mind that it's a diesel with notoriously leaky intercooler connections.

8 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

A minor oil leak on a 15 year old car is never serious, I can't remember the last time I saw an engine of that vintage that was completely dry, never mind that it's a diesel with notoriously leaky intercooler connections.

+1 on an older car- i was helping a friend with a 1982 W124 Mercedes 300D and you want to see leaks ! We didn't cure them just made them not too bad ! There will be no putting her in a carpeted garage 🤣

 

I wouldn't worry if it was mine ! If she is using a bit then yes get her checked ! At this age now these cars will have small problems that never cropped up when the cars were new ! Seals and pipes will get brittle and fail especially in a car that has only 50k covered in 15 years ! 

Thats just a weeping intercooler pipe, it is not a serious issue at all.

 

the oil comes from the crankcase vent into the air intake (some of this oil bypasses the seals in the turbo) and gets into the intercooler pipework.

 

to remedy the issue either vent the crankcase to an oil catch tank or atmosphere and clean out intercooler pipework / replace with new.

 

or if there is no loss of power (boost leak) just leave it, only an issue if the intercooler connection pops off

Edited 19 January, 20206 yr by BigJase88

3 hours ago, BigJase88 said:

Thats just a weeping intercooler pipe, it is not a serious issue at all.

 

the oil comes from the crankcase vent into the air intake (some of this oil bypasses the seals in the turbo) and gets into the intercooler pipework.

 

to remedy the issue either vent the crankcase to an oil catch tank or atmosphere and clean out intercooler pipework / replace with new.

 

or if there is no loss of power (boost leak) just leave it, only an issue if the intercooler connection pops off

Thanks so much for this insight and advice. I'll leave it for now and wait until I've had some time to spend out in the car.

 

I keep thinking it would be so useful to know a mechanic who knows these cars inside and out. Trouble is, I don't have time to do the maintenance myself which means the car is always in the hands of someone in (who may not be right for the car).  Hopefully I can find one in Sussex somewhere!

 

Thanks again.

Try Pfeiffers in Hove or Cedar in Worthing.

 

It's just a Deutsche diesel dude, it's not a prima prancing pony.