oil leaking from head gasket?

just wondered is it possible for the head to leak oil if the gasket is no good? i have replaced the sump, rocker and many other gaskets but oil is still leaking
any ideas
thanks
martin

Martin

iirc small block engines had a problem with oil leaking from the block to head gasket joint on the very left hand side (offside) front of the engine - as you view it from the front….the oil gallery (feed) to the camshaft, tappets et al passes through there.  Methinks the only cure here was to take off the head and replace the gasket AND the head bolts…not actually a big job as as I recall having fixed a buddy's Mk1 back in '83.  Me being a more knowledgeable big block source there are most probably better qualified small block afficianados who will probably provide a better answer.

I have also come across a couple of instances (big block but may apply)  where the Oil pressure sender has leaked between the plastic (nylon) body and the spade connector.  This connection normally has a rubber boot over it which sort of spread the oil around a bit so you can't really tell where its coming from.  Pull the boot and run the engine and make sure it doesn't squirt you in the eyes!

It would maybe help other responses if you provide an indication of where you think the oil is leaking from…there are quite a few possibilities ….crankshaft oil seals either end, etc. ad nauseum.

Cheers

thanks superworm, well the oil is leaking from the front left just under the exhaust manifold and the rear left under the inlet manifold. i will repalce head gasket at the weekend and see if this helps
thanks again
martin

I suggest to look at the camshaft oil seal. I have the same problem and have changed my head gasket and it is still leaking oil and then I noticed that the oil is leaking on the camshaft oil seal.

Sorry for my english!

I can agree with that Remus

Now that you have described the oil leaking at the front AND rear of the head Martin, I would take up Remus' suggestion and go for the camshaft oil seal in the first instance…also much cheaper and easier to do….you'll have it done by Sat. lunchtime!

Cheers