Oil Pressure

I've just bought my first Golf GTI this weekend and can't wait to start restoring it, but before I do that it has a major oil leak from the oil filter which means I can't run it!

Apparently there are no holes in the block and it has a new oil pump so  the problem has been diagnosed as being a faulty oil pressure release valve.  The seller doesn't know where this is located, and whilst I could take it to a garage to sort or source a Haynes manual I wondered whether anyone could shed some light.

Cheers

The oil pressure release valve is built into the pump (it's purpose is to open, if the oil pressure is too high, typically through high revving when the oil is cold (and therefore thicker) - if there wasn't one, the oil pump could break). It is unlikely that the valve is causing a leak, except if it is stuck shut, causing oil to blow out through a seal/gasket somewhere close to the filter (oil pressure is highest here, because it's just after the pump).

The key to correct diagnosis is seeing exactly where the oil is coming from. Have a look and let us know…

If it is leaking from between the block and the (cast alloy) filter housing, you need a new seal here (easy enough, except the access is poor with the radiator still in place)

If it is leaking from between the filter itself, and the housing, this is usually because the filter was fitted too loosely, or without wetting the seal with engine oil (seal bunches up when tightened whilst dry, and allows oil through) - in this case, remove the filter and re-fit it correctly, and tightly enough (you might need another filter if the seal is badly folded/torn).

If it is leaking from somewhere else, let us know, and someone will be able to tell you about what to do…

I've just fixed an oil leak on mine - it was the oil filter housing. Not however, where it meets the block but at the front end by the radiator where the oil pressure switch is on the front. The cover plate here has a sprung plunger behind it and there is an O-ring. The O-ring is available from VW for a couple of quid and it's an easy fix - that's of course if yours is leaking from here!

Pick up the car yesterday, sadly via trailer due to oil problem, and it's worse than first described.  

The oil is not leaking, instead it's squirting out between the filter and the housing, seconds after starting up.

Apparently the same problem occurred 200 miles ago, but a new oil pump solved the problem until now.  Two filters and have been tried and properly sealed, but the pressure is too great still and forcing oil out.

Unless the oil pump is faulty (it's a new VW part) or incorrectly fitted I guess my only option is to strip the oil sump/pump and cooler and check for problems.

I would have a close look at the seating where the rubber seal of the oil filter sits on the engine, if this is damaged even slightly, I expect it could cause a large oil leak like this.  Something really obvious to just have a look at.

I had a problem with the oil filter not mating to the housing properly on my '83 GTI after closer inspection I noticed the mating face of the housing must have been machined badly at the factory! it was really uneven. I carefully sanded it down enough for the filter to mate without leaking. i went through a couple of (genuine) filters too before before I realised.

i'm just supprisesd that the car has covered 160k without this being looked at before. Might be worth looking for cracks in the housing too, I've never heard of any problems with them cracking but I guess it could happen.

Thanks for all the advice!

Finally had time to work on Golf and by process of elimination concluded that needed to change oil pump just in case the one bought previously wasn't duff….and it was!

Car now running sweetly!

Snowie