Oil sender leak?

[Maz804]

Howdy folks!


I've been noticing that my engine bay has become a bit wet... I've been hangin' in the slacker department on that for awhile, but now that I've got some time and a little bit 'o money I've decided to troubleshoot issues.

I'm thinking that it's coming from the oil sender... It was a mystery sender and I don't know if there was supposed to be a copper gasket or what, cause there ain't.

Any ideas?

[hambone]

That's a mess.
I'd replace the sender, they're cheap. Get a good one though or it will leak from the plastic area. You can also use a copper gasket behind so it doesn't go into the case too deep.
Also, replace the distributor O ring. Tighten down the fuel pump. Maybe even remove it and apply some sealer to the base.
Those are all common areas of topend leaking like that. BTDT.

[Maz804]

Yeah I just went out and looked at it again... and felt around the back side of the fuel pump. black sludge back there, and WET. I remember having a HELLAVA time removing that brown fuel pump mounting piece... it swelled up and was stuck inside... I hope this is not the same. Do they sell these gaskets at Discount or any local Portland shop or should I make one outta NAPA gasket material?

Also, I'd like to replace the fuel pump. Is there a gasket kit I could buy to rebuild the one I currently have?

Thanks for the quick reply Bob!

=D>

[hambone]

Yep there's a fuel pump rebuild kit, did mine last winter.
You can make those gaskets outa cereal boxes if you dare. I did.

[spiffy]

Don't go getting all happy with a fuel pump rebuild kit. The aftermarket ones are shit, if you don't have to dig into the fuel pump just leave it alone.

Check for cracks around the case by the OP sender since you replaced that. If you reef on the sender too much you can crack the case past the threads.

Just for giggles, does your oil smell gassy?

What is your oil pressure?

[hambone]

The quality wasn't too bad actually. Not as good as original, but what is these days?

[spiffy]

The quality wasn't too bad actually. Not as good as original, but what is these days?

You don't remember the profile difference on the pump lever? Not so good rubber diaphrams? Cheap-ass gaskets?

Like I said. If you don't have a death-nail reason to take the fuel pump apart....don't.

[Amskeptic]

Like I said. If you don't have a death-nail reason to take the fuel pump apart....don't.

What he say . . .

Also, use gravity and airflow analysis to determine the source of an oil leak if the wetness has covered over many different components. Looking at the engine and noticing that the wetness goes under the fan housing, you could be dealing with oil cooler seals as well.
Colin

[hambone]

Isn't 40 years of pumping reason enough to take the pump apart? Sooner or later those things will wear out, especially the rubber.

Pump lever profile was ok, just thinner metal. I used the original because it wasn't worn much. Circlips good quality. Rubber diaphagm OK but not as good as original. Gaskets looked fine to me. Springs looked good.

What other option do we have with these early style pumps? Throw them away? I'm glad someone still offers a rebuild kit at all any more. Colin, you once alluded to "something is better than nothing at all". Yes if I could I'd run 100% German (although German isn't what it used to be any more either)....

I have been running a crappy Brazilian pump on the Beetle, plastic actuator lever and all. It's been pretty reliable actually. Knock on my wooden head.

Not trying to be contentious, but I think these are valid points that need to be addressed. Our cars are old and critical parts are wearing out.

At the very least, disassemble the pump. I found all sorts of accumulated grit and crap in the pump body from all those years.

Wolfsburg West sells this one, they don't tend to sell crap. Wish I had seen this before:
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai ... =111198555

[Amskeptic]

Isn't 40 years of pumping reason enough to take the pump apart? What other option do we have with these early style pumps? Throw them away? I'm glad someone still offers a rebuild kit at all any more. Colin, you once alluded to "something is better than nothing at all".

I am all for tearing into original German and by hook or crook make it like new. I would never *not* maintain or service the original due to lack of replacement parts, I'd tear into it regardless, and harvest parts where possible from whatever new piece of junk was unfortunate enough to be in my vicinity.
Colin